Paper Plate Leprechaun Craft -Free Template!
Looking for a fun and easy St. Patrick’s Day activity? This paper plate leprechaun craft is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers! With just a few simple supplies, your little ones can create their very own leprechaun. Plus, I’ve included a free printable template to make crafting even easier!
Why You’ll Love This Paper Plate Leprechaun Craft
- Simple and fun: A great hands-on activity for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Low-prep: Uses common craft supplies you likely already have at home.
- Great for learning: Introduces colors, shapes, and fine motor skills.
Whether you’re a mom to littles or a childcare provider it’s fun to celebrate all the holidays. At least the big ones!
March is surprisingly packed with fun themes, it’s hard to get it all in.
My kids loved making these little paper plate leprechauns, or Santa as my 2-year-old insisted. Anything with a beard. It was a great activity for the 1–4-year-olds in my care and easy to do with very few materials.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Uncoated white paper plate
- Green and orange crayons (or markers)
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
- Printable Leprechaun Template
Optional: You can let kids use all colors of the rainbow but limiting it to green and orange adds a fun learning element to the craft.
How to Make a Paper Plate Leprechaun
Step 1: Download & Cut
Download the free printable leprechaun template and print it on standard white paper.
Cut out the center of the paper plate (this step is best done by an adult). You can either discard the center or glue it to the back of the leprechaun’s hat for added stability.
Step 2: Color the Pieces
- Color the paper plate and beard orange
- Color the hat, arms, and legs green
Step 3: Cut and Assemble
Carefully cut out all the template pieces. Younger children may need help with this step.
Using the glue stick, attach the hat, arms, and legs to the paper plate base, following the provided guide – or let your child get creative!
Step 4: Bring Your Leprechaun to Life
Once assembled, your child’s leprechaun is ready to be displayed! Encourage them to add extra details, such as stickers or glitter.
Learning Through Play: Fun Discussion Starters
While your littles are hard at work, this is a great time to talk about:
- The colors you are using, orange and green. (if you choose)
- Discuss placement of all the parts, hats go on your head, arms go to your sides etc.
- Ask your kids fun questions…
- If you found a pot of gold what would you do with it?
- What are other things that are green?
- What makes you lucky?
- Talk about St. Patrick’s Day
- St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17
- It’s believed that Saint Patrick banished all the snakes from Ireland.
- If you catch a leprechaun they have to tell you where their pot of gold is
- Ireland’s national flower is the shamrock. Typically a shamrock has 3 heart-shaped leaves, 4 if you’re lucky
Join our Facebook Group for more printables, fun activities, and hands-on learning ideas for toddlers and preschoolers!
More St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Try these activities:
1. Leprechaun Freeze Dance – Search for Leprechaun Freeze Dance on YouTube for a fun movement activity that toddlers love.
2. St. Patrick’s Day Printable Pack – Grab my St. Patrick’s Day coloring and activity bundle for even more themed fun. Plus, you’ll get added to my newsletter for fresh activity ideas straight to your inbox!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Have fun crafting with your little leprechauns! Don’t forget to head to our Facebook group to show us your St. Patrick’s Day creations!!
