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Here is a simple bee craft idea perfect for preschoolers though to grade school aged kids – a paper plate rocking bee.

To make the bee “rock” simply press on it’s back. Buzz Buzz!

Paper plate rocking bee craft idea for kids

Bees are a humble and hardworking insect, but the word “bee” often strikes fear into the hearts of people because of their stingers.

I’ve seen my own kids squeal in fear when a bee comes anywhere near them (and I confess I have even behaved that way myself). If we take the time to teach kids about bees and what fascinating creatures they are maybe it will help them to appreciate these tiny creatures instead of fearing them.

Here are a few facts to share with your kids before you begin the craft. 

Six fascinating bee facts:

  1. A single bee will only make 1/12 a teaspoon of honey in it’s entire life
  2. It would take 1,100 bees to make 1kg of honey and they would need to visit 4 million flowers in the process of making it (so next time you eat a slice of honey on toast think about all of the work that’s gone into making it)
  3. Only female bees make honey. They also do all of the jobs needed to maintain the hive
  4. Male bees are called drones, their main job is to become a dad
  5. The queen bee lays around 1,500 eggs per day
  6. Plants need bees for pollination. This means a world without bees would be a world without many of the fruits and vegetables we eat, and a world without many of the animals that depend on those plants to survive

So you could say bees are just about the most important creature on earth – that’s something to think about while making the craft.

How to make a rocking paper plate bee craft

You will need:

  • Paper plate
  • Yellow and black paint
  • Googly eyes
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • White card stock paper

How to:

Start by painting the paper plate yellow.

process - painting the paper plate

Once the yellow paint is dried you can paint on the black stripes. Set aside to dry.

process - adding stripes to the paper plate

Once dried, fold the paper plate in half.

making the rocking bee from a folded paper plate

With the plate folded in half you can round the right end of the paper plate with scissors for the head of the bee. Then the left side can be trimmed like image below so that it looks like the stinger. Just make sure to keep the bottom of the plate rounded so that it rocks when you’re finished.

process - trim the nose end so it is rounded in shape

Once the body of your bee is ready you can start the wings. Take white cardstock and trace the hands to cut out your wings. You’ll need two handprints.

trace your hand

handprint wings for bee craft idea

Then glue on your googly eyes and wings to your bumble bee.

add the handprint wings and face

Isn’t she cute?

bee craft for kids

Now she’s off to make some yummy honey – give her a rock to send her on her way!

rocking bee craft

Rocking bee craft for kids

Cute and easy paper plate rocking bee

Materials

  • Paper Plate
  • Yellow and Black Paint
  • Googly Eyes
  • Glue
  • White Cardstock Paper

Tools

  • scissors
  • paintbrush

Instructions

Step 1: Start by painting the paper plate yellow.

Step 2. Once the yellow paint is dried you can paint on the black stripes. Set aside to dry.

Step 3: Once dried, fold the paper plate in half.

Step 4: With the plate folded in half you can round the right end of the paper plate with scissors for the head of the bee. Then the left side can be trimmed like image below so that it looks like the stinger. Just make sure to keep the bottom of the plate rounded so that it rocks when you’re finished.

Step 5: Once the body of your bee is ready you can start the wings. Take white cardstock and trace the hands to cut out your wings. You’ll need two handprints.

Step 6: Then glue on your googly eyes and wings to your bumble bee.

Step 7: Your bumble bee is all finished and ready to rock. By pressing the back of the bee your paper plate will rock back and forth. 

More insect crafts kids can make:

Paper plate rocking bee craft for kids. Create an adorable bee for Spring or Summer that rocks back and forth. This would be a great craft for preschoolers with it's cute handprint wings, and may also be a great addition to a unit on mini beasts for grade school children #bee #beecraft #paper plates #paperplatecraft #rockingcraft #handprint #handprintcrafts #kidscrafts #preschool #thecrafttrain