Dung Beetle Paper Plate Craft
If your preschooler loves bugs, messes, and anything remotely gross, this one’s for you. The dung beetle paper plate craft is equal parts silly and fascinating, and surprisingly educational once you get past the fact that, yes, this bug is pushing around a ball of poop.
It’s the perfect mix of “hands-on fun” and “quiet time while we craft,” with just enough weirdness to keep little ones totally hooked. So grab a paper plate, some paint, and maybe a baby wipe or five…we’re about to get buggy.
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Materials Needed for This Dung Beetle Craft
Let’s Make a Dung Beetle (and Its… um, Ball)
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gather your supplies.
Step 2: Cut and Paint the Plate
Cut your paper plate in half and paint it brown. Let it dry completely.
Step 3: Cut the Legs and Head
Use the template to cut out six legs and one round head from brown construction paper.
Step 4: Attach the Legs and Head
Glue the legs onto the back of the brown paper plate half. Flip it over and glue the head on the front of the paper plate.
Step 5: Add the Eyes
Glue on the googly eyes on the dung beetle’s head.
Step 6: Add a Smile
Cut and glue a red smile onto the beetle’s face.
Step 7: Add Lines and Cut the Dung Ball
Use a black marker to draw curved lines across the beetle’s back.
Cut a second paper plate into a bumpy circle for the dung ball.
Step 8: Paint and Decorate the Ball
Paint the dung ball brown and let it dry.
Use a black marker to add swirl lines all over the dung ball.
Step 9: Attach the Beetle
Glue the beetle so its back legs are touching the dung ball.
All done!
Your dung beetle craft is complete!
We'd love to see yours! Snap a photo and share it in the comments.
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