How to Make a Hand Print Octupus in Preschool Craft

Kids will get a little messy making this handprint octopus.

Whether learning that the word "octopus" begins with the letter O or counting its eight arms, there is plenty about this marine mollusk to fascinate the youngest set of school-aged children. The shape of the octopus also lends itself to craft activities using finger paint.

Things You'll Need

• Washable finger paint
• Paper plate
• Paint brush (optional)
• Card stock
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Marker

Instructions

1. Pour a quarter cup of washable finger paint onto a paper plate.

2. Show your child how to hold his thumb on top of his index finger, and press his hand into the paint, making sure the palm of the hand and all of the fingers except for the thumb are covered in paint. Alternatively, apply paint to the hand with a paint brush.

3. Have the child fan out his fingers, turning his hand so his fingers face one side rather than pointing up. Press his hand down onto a piece of card stock to create the body of the octopus, with four arms pointing to one side.

4. Reapply paint to the hand, again ensuring the palm of the hand and all fingers are covered in paint. Have the child fan out his fingers and turn his hand to the opposite direction. Line his palm up with the body of the octopus and press his hand onto the paper, giving the octopus four more arms.

5. Wash the paint off the child's hands as you allow the paint to dry.

6. Help the child glue two googly eyes onto the body of the octopus and draw a smiley face with a marker.