Polar bears are majestic inhabitants of the Arctic expanses. Renowned for their snowy-white fur, these powerful predators have adapted to the harsh conditions of northern regions. Their muscular build and strong paws aid them in swimming long distances in search of prey on ice and in water. Polar bears symbolize Arctic beauty and natural harmony, and their ability to survive in extreme conditions makes them crucial figures in scientific research on nature conservation and climate change in the Arctic.
We have prepared a simple tutorial for you on creating a paper polar bear appliqué for children. On the page, you will find a ready-made template for printing the appliqué pieces (Get your free printables at the bottom of this post).
Introduce children to these amazing predators, polar bears, using a creative approach – making a thematic appliqué.
Even the youngest ones will be able to handle making the appliqué presented on the page. The appliqué consists of only three parts, so with active adult participation, even toddlers will be able to create their own paper polar bear.
Handprint Polar Bear craft. Free template printable
To create a craft, you will need the following materials: colored cardboard (blue or light blue), thick white paper or white cardboard, scissors, glue, printer, black marker.
Print the finished template on thick white paper or white cardboard.
Carefully cut it out.
Place a sheet of blue or light blue cardboard horizontally in front of you.
Glue the piece of ice in the center of the sheet, closer to its bottom.
Then glue the bear’s torso. As you may have noticed, the body of a polar bear is very similar to a palm print. You can use the provided detail or draw your child’s hand with a pencil on a sheet of white paper or white cardboard. Cut out a handprint and use it to create an application.
Glue the polar bear’s head next to the thumbprint of the hand.
Now circle the bear’s paws with a black marker, and then draw a smile.
Decorate the application with waves and snowflakes painted on the sheet.
You can make waves out of strips of blue colored paper.
Snowflakes can be made from colored paper, pieces of tissue paper or cotton.
Enjoy the creative process of creating crafts in the form of a polar bear!
Handprint Polar Bear craft
Creating a Paper Polar Bear DIY can be useful for teaching children in several aspects.
Firstly, such an activity promotes the development of creative thinking in children. Working with paper, creating three-dimensional shapes of a bear and decorating it can be an excellent creative process that develops imagination and artistic skills.
Secondly, making a paper bear can be included in educational games that enrich children’s knowledge of nature. You can give a short lesson about polar bears, their life and adaptation to Arctic conditions. This allows children to learn something new, broaden their horizons and develop an interest in nature.
The third aspect is the development of fine motor skills. Working with paper, cutting and gluing – all these actions require precision and coordination of movements. Such activities contribute to the development of hand motor skills, which is important for the overall physical development of the child.
Moreover, the creation of a paper bear can serve as an excellent opportunity to discuss the topic of responsible attitude to nature and conservation of wild animals. Conversations about the importance of preserving their natural habitat can bring elements of environmental education to the lesson.
Thus, making Paper Polar Bear crafts not only develops children’s creative and educational skills, but also brings elements of responsibility for the environment into their lifestyle.
