Preschoolers are going to love making this colorful paper fish craft!
Check out these super cute paper fish we made using paint and construction paper. I made these with a preschool class and they had so much fun stamping dots.

We are currently studying a pet unit at school with the kids. As part of that unit, we set up a small fish tank in the classroom. While we were waiting for our fish to be delivered we made these paper fish to hang around the classroom.
How to make a paper fish craft
This fish craft is so quick and easy to make. All you need is paper and paint. To make the dots there are a variety of options including paint daubers, cotton balls, and paint dot markers.
Related: Free printable fish coloring pages that kids will love

Supplies needed to make paper fish
- White construction paper
- Paint – acrylic or tempera
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
- Paint dauber – alternatively, cotton balls or paint dot markers
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions for making paper fish

Step 1
Fold your paper in half and then cut along the fold. One piece will be used to make the body of the fish. Fold the second half into a triangle shape to make the tail for your fish.
This is a great time to talk about shapes with the kids and have them cut their rectangle and triangle on their own if they can.

Step 2
Glue the tail onto the body of the fish.

Step 3
Use a dauber, cotton balls, or paint dot pens to paint colorful dots all over your paper fish.

The final step for making your paper fish is to attach a googly eye using glue, and then draw on a mouth using a black marker.
Our finished paper fish craft

Paper Fish Craft

This super cute paper fish craft is perfect for preschoolers.
Materials
- White construction paper
- Paint - acrylic or tempera
- Googly eyes
- Black marker
Tools
- Paint dauber - alternatively, cotton balls
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions
- Fold your paper in half and then cut along the fold.
- One side will be used for the body of the fish. Fold the other side into a triangle and cut it out to make the tail.
- Glue the tail of the fish onto the body.
- Use paint daubers, paint dot markers, or cotton balls to make colorful dots all over your fish.
- Attach a googly eye using glue.
- Draw on a mouth using the marker.
Related: How to make a paper house
More fish crafts from Kids Activities Blog
- Make this paper plate goldfish craft
- Can’t have a real fish? Make this super cute fishbowl craft with the kids
- This Finding Dory cupcake liner fish craft is simply adorable
- Look at these beautiful rainbow fish coloring pages
- Little fingers are going to love this under the sea squishy bag
- or if your child wants to make a fun sea creature, here are our octopus crafts!
- Don’t miss out on this printable fish template!
Have you made our paper fish craft? Did you use paint daubers or cotton balls?
0