Boys and girls can make either dog or cat masks from paper plates. Give each child one paper plate to color and decorate. Provide card stock so the children can cut out and glue on ears or other features. Attach thick tongue depressors to the bottoms of the plates as holders. Most students will create masks in the likeness of their favorite pets.
Kindergartners can make animal paper plate holders to house items such as trinkets or notes. Use one paper plate for the face of a dog or cat. Cut a second paper plate in half. Have the children glue the whole and half plates together so they form a pocket, and use the spare half plate to create extras such as eyes and ears. They can then glue on the extra parts and color.
Give each child a paper plate for the kitten's head. Provide materials for the kids to make eyes, a nose and whiskers. Cut mittens, distribute two to each child. Have the children glue the mittens to the bottom of the plate. You can also create a scarf to match. Children will enjoy decorating the mittens and scarves. To set the stage, read "The Three Little Kittens" before starting this project.
This cat can hang from its tail. Provide the children patterns for the cat's head, legs and tail. Make your own patterns or use those found on the Danielle's Place website. Patterns should be run on heavy card stock. Have the children cut out the pieces, and then use crayons, markers or paint to put eyes, a nose and whiskers on the cat's face. They can then glue together two paper plates for the body. This creates a 3-D figure. Have them glue the tail at the top of the body, like a hanger, and glue the head halfway down the body. Then they can attach the front and back legs. It should look as if the cat is hanging in the air.
Use black paper plates for this project. Give each child one whole plate and one half plate. Instruct them to cut cat ears from the half plate. They will glue the ears to the top of the whole plate. Provide white construction paper for the mouth. Children can use green -- or any color construction paper they want -- to create eyes. Use pipe cleaners as the whiskers. Poke them through the plate and secure. Allow children to twist the whiskers to the desired look.