How to Make a Paper Bag Monkey

Want a fun thing to do with your kids? Try making a paper bag monkey! It's easy. It's cheap. Plus, it helps them get creative and use their hands.

Why Make a Paper Bag Monkey?

We're all glued to screens these days. So, doing something with your hands is really nice. This paper bag monkey craft is great because:

• It's cheap. You probably have the stuff already!
• It's easy. Kids of all ages can do it.
• It's creative. They can make their monkey.
• It helps with skills. Cutting and gluing helps little hands.
• It's fun! They can play with their monkey when they're done.
• Less screen time! That's always a win, right?

What You Need

Before we start, grab these things:

• Paper bags: Lunch bags work best.
• Paper: Brown, beige, and any other colors you like.
• Scissors: Get the kid-safe kind.
• Glue: A glue stick is easy.
• Markers or crayons: For drawing the face.
• Maybe: Googly eyes, yarn, or buttons. Whatever you have!

Let's Make a Monkey!

Here's how to make your own paper bag monkey:

Step 1: Get the Bag Ready

Lay the bag flat. Smooth it out if it's wrinkly.

Step 2: Make the Face

Cut a circle out of brown paper. That's the face! Then, cut a smaller oval out of beige paper. That's the snout. Glue the snout to the middle of the face.

Step 3: Add the Face Stuff

Draw a nose and mouth on the snout. Use googly eyes, or draw them on. Put the eyes above the snout.

Step 4: Ears!

Cut out two half-circles from brown paper. Glue them to the sides of the face.

Step 5: Stick the Face on the Bag

Glue the face to the bottom of the paper bag. The bottom of the bag is now the monkey's head!

Step 6: Make the Body

The bag is the body. You can leave it plain. Or, cut out a heart and glue it on the chest. Draw some fur, maybe?

Step 7: Arms and Legs

Cut out four long strips of brown paper. Fold them like an accordion. Glue them to the sides of the bag. Two for arms, two for legs!

Step 8: Add a Tail

Cut out a long, curved strip of brown paper. Glue it to the back of the bag. Curl it around a pencil to make it fun!

Step 9: Make it Your Own!

Here's where you get to be really creative. Add:

• Yarn for hair.
• Buttons for eyes.
• Sparkly sequins.
• Fabric scraps for clothes.

More Ideas!

Once you get the hang of it, try these:

• Use different colors of paper.
• Make a big monkey and a small monkey. A whole family!
• Give your monkey a silly face.
• Dress your monkey up!
• Use it as a puppet!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your monkey turns out great?

• Use a template if you need to.
• Watch kids with scissors and glue.
• Let the glue dry!
• Take your time. Have fun!
• Don't worry if it's not perfect.

Why This is Good for Kids

Making a paper bag monkey is more than just fun. It also helps kids:

• Use their fingers better.
• Get better at hand-eye stuff.
• Be more creative.
• Solve problems.
• Feel good about themselves.
• Follow directions.

Other Monkey Fun

Like making monkeys? Try these:

• Color monkey pictures.
• Make monkey masks.
• Make monkey finger puppets.
• Read monkey stories.
• Go to the zoo and see real monkeys!

The End!

Making a paper bag monkey is easy and fun. It's a great way to be creative and spend time with your kids. So grab your stuff and get started! And look for other fun kids activities, too!