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Put Me In The Zoo Craft Idea For Kids

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Our Polka Dot Leopard tutorial is an easy and creative way to bring the "Put Me In The Zoo" classic story to life!
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A yellow spotted animal made from craft sticks, googly eyes, and paper ears is shown on a blue background next to the Put Me in the Zoo book. This cute put me in the zoo craft is perfect for storytime fun. Text reads, PUT ME IN THE ZOO CRAFT.

If you’re looking for a fun craft idea to kick-start your Dr. Seuss celebration, then look no further than today’s Put Me In The Zoo craft tutorial!

Put Me In The Zoo Craft Idea For Kids

Polka Dot Leopard Craft Idea

Are you looking for a fun and creative project to keep your children entertained this upcoming National Read Across America Day on March 2nd?

With this yearly celebration approaching super fast, I have a preschooler craft idea that is even faster! Not to mention it pairs together nicely with the book “Put Me In The Zoo.”

Today’s rainbow spotted leopard craft tutorial is not only great to add during story time BUT it will also help spark your child’s imagination, while also encouraging creativity as they bring their own interpretation of this beloved tale to life.

So gather your supplies and let’s get started on building our very own popsicle stick polka dot leopard puppet. Find everything you need to know, in the full step-by-step tutorial below. Don’t forget to grab the beginner book to read in celebration of your child’s creations! Happy crafting, my friends!

RELATED —> Popsicle Stick Giraffe

Put Me In The Zoo Craft Idea For Kids

Our Put Me In The Zoo craft is simple and easy to create, it encourages creativity from a young age, and adds some educational value as well. All you need is some imagination and a few materials.

Craft Supplies:

  • Jumbo Popsicle Sticks – 3 per craft
  • Mini Popsicle Sticks – 2 per craft
  • Low Temp Glue Gun
  • Yellow Paint
  • Foam Paint Brush
  • Small Paper Plate
  • Scissors
  • Yellow Cardstock Paper
  • Black Sharpie Marker
  • Green Sharpie Marker
  • Blue Sharpie Marker
  • Red Sharpie Marker
  • Googly Eyes

Directions:

  • First get the glue gun hot and ready.
  • Assemble the base of your leopard by gluing THREE jumbo popsicle sticks and TWO mini popsicle sticks together to look like a fence door {3 next to each other and the mini popsicle sticks across to secure in place.}
  • Allow it to dry completely.
  • Now grab your yellow craft paint, paper plate and form brush.
  • Squirt some paint on the paper plate.
  • Using the foam paint brush, first paint the flat side of your popsicle stick shape completely yellow.
  • Set it aside to let it dry completely.
  • While that is drying, go ahead and grab your yellow cardstock paper and scissors.
  • Cut out a simple head shape for on top of your popsicle stick shape.
  • Go ahead and glue on the googly eyes & draw on his mouth.
  • To finish off the Polka Dot Leopard craft, glue the head piece to the yellow painted wood shape.
  • Now take your various Sharpie markers and add small “polka dots” all over the entire craft.
  • Add any other embellishments you see fit.
  • Then let it dry completely before displaying proudly!!!

RELATED —> Paper Plate Elephant

Children’s book Put Me in the Zoo with two cheerful cheetah craft stick bookmarks, part of a fun put me in the zoo craft, decorated with paint spots, googly eyes, and paper features on a polka dot background. @GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS is at the bottom.

AFFILIATE LINK – PAIR OUR CRAFT IDEA WITH THIS BOOK RECOMMENDATION

If you are looking for even MORE Dr. Seuss craft ideas for kids, be sure to check out these fun posts on our website right now:

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A yellow spotted animal made from craft sticks, googly eyes, and paper ears is shown on a blue background next to the Put Me in the Zoo book. This cute put me in the zoo craft is perfect for storytime fun. Text reads, PUT ME IN THE ZOO CRAFT.
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Put Me In The Zoo Craft Idea For Kids

Our Polka Dot Leopard tutorial is an easy and creative way to bring the "Put Me In The Zoo" classic story to life!

Here’s your checklist of supplies to bring this craft to life:

Prepare your creative haven by laying down a protective cover before the crafting magic begins!

Directions:

  • First get the glue gun hot and ready.
  • Assemble the base of your leopard by gluing THREE jumbo popsicle sticks and TWO mini popsicle sticks together to look like a fence door {3 next to each other and the mini popsicle sticks across to secure in place.}
  • Allow it to dry completely.
  • Now grab your yellow craft paint, paper plate and form brush.
  • Squirt some paint on the paper plate.
  • Using the foam paint brush, first paint the flat side of your popsicle stick shape completely yellow.
  • Set it aside to let it dry completely.
  • While that is drying, go ahead and grab your yellow cardstock paper and scissors.
  • Cut out a simple head shape for on top of your popsicle stick shape.
  • Go ahead and glue on the googly eyes & draw on his mouth.
  • To finish off the Polka Dot Leopard craft, glue the head piece to the yellow painted wood shape.
  • Now take your various Sharpie markers and add small "polka dots" all over the entire craft.
  • Add any other embellishments you see fit.
  • Then let it dry completely before displaying proudly!!!
    Put Me In The Zoo Craft Idea For Kids
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Craft Activity Safety Guidelines:

Always Ensure Adult Supervision - Young children should be supervised at all times when engaging in craft activities. This is essential to keep them safe and ensure materials are used correctly. Use Age-Appropriate Supplies - Choose craft supplies that are suitable for your child’s age. Check labels for recommendations and avoid items with small parts or sharp edges for younger children. Modify as Needed - Feel free to adapt materials or steps to meet your child's abilities and safety needs. For example, substitute scissors with safety scissors if necessary. Keep an Eye on Allergies - Be mindful of potential allergens in craft materials like glue, paint, or certain fabrics. Opt for non-toxic and hypoallergenic options whenever possible. Organize and Secure Supplies - Keep all craft tools and materials organized. Store sharp objects, small parts, and potentially hazardous items out of reach when not in use. Following these guidelines will ensure that crafts remain fun, creative, and, most importantly, safe for everyone involved!