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!

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 — or use our free printable paper eyes for a more eco-friendly version
• Glue
• Scissors
• White card stock paper

How to:

Start by painting the paper plate yellow.

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

Once dried, fold the paper plate in half.

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.

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.

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

Isn’t she cute?

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

Rocking bee craft

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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:

• Make a peg bee or dragonfly using our printable wing template
• These bug rocks are a fun way to decorate the garden
• Paper roll love bugs are so cute and easy
• Use our printable template to create 3D cube bugs (adorable bee included)