Toddler Paper Crafts: Sand Dollar Shaker

One summertime paper crafts activity for toddlers is the Sand Dollar Shaker.

The toddler will enjoy decorating the Sand Dollar Shaker, and using it to make music later.

This toddler craft can be done by toddlers two and up, when an adult performs step one. Toddlers three and up can make the whole paper craft themselves!~

Materials Needed for Sand Dollar Shaker

This paper craft uses one of the cheapest items that you probably have around the house in the summertime: paper plates. The best paper plates for this toddler crafts arethe small, dessert plates. White ones are perfect!

2 paper plates for each sand dollar

glue - your choice of paper glue, Elmer's works great

Glitter paint or glitter glue

crayons

card stock for a one sand dollar stencil

card stock for a five tear drop shaped stencils

one teaspoon of white rice or dry lentils

Making the Stencils

An adult can make the stencils for this toddler paper craft. Check the attached image to see the sand dollar shape.

Basically cut out a stencil shape that is has is has the exterior shape of a five-pointed star, except make points rounded.

Next, cut out five equally-sized tear drop stencils, which will further enhance this toddler paper craft.

Step One: Constructing the Sand Dollar Shaker

Adults can do this part for the toddler. The three-year-old crafter can try it themselves.

Place one paper plate on the table. Pour about a teaspoon or rice or dry beans.

Experiment with the amounts and types of beans, to create different sounds.

Run a line of glue around the bumpy part of the rim. Next, place a second plate on top, and press the plate around the edges, so the glue sticks to both sides.

Make sure the plates are glued securely, or the toddler will leave a trail of rice around the house.

Decorating the the Sand Dollar Shaker

The toddler who is two and up can use crayons, glitter glue and glue to decorate the sand dollar. Help them "draw" a sand dollar shape on both sides of the plate.

For the toddler three and up. Place the stencil on the plate and have them use the glitter glue to outline the sand dollar shape.

When the sand dollar shape is in place, have them color it in with more glitter use.