A simple jellyfish craft can be made by attaching streamers or yarn to half of a paper plate. Have students draw a jellyfish face on half of a paper plate, with the curved section being the top of the head. Assist students in gluing or taping the yarn or streamers to the bottom of the plate to serve as tentacles. Add a loop of yarn to the jellyfish head, if desired, to use to hang the craft. An egg carton or coffee filter can be used in place of the paper plate. A clear, plastic take-out container, stuffed with construction paper or tissue paper, also may be used as the jellyfish head.
Use an old sock or tights to create a recycled jellyfish. Help children fill the toe end of the sock with beans or rice, tying a knot in the neck to create a jellyfish head. Allow students to glue fabric pieces to the sock to serve as eyes or have them draw facial features with markers. Supervise students as they cut strips from the remaining fabric to serve as the jellyfish's tentacles. If desired, cut a strip from the remaining fabric, or use a piece of ribbon, and glue it to both sides of the jellyfish head to create a loop to hang the project.
The outline of student hands can serve as a jellyfish, with the palm being the head and the fingers being the tentacles. Trace each student's hand onto construction paper and allow students to cut out the images. Glue the palms of the paper hands together,so all 10 fingers can be seen or attach the palms together near the wrist with a brad so the hands can move freely. Let children paint or color their hand jellyfish to add a personal touch.
Seashells, sand dollars and sea urchin shells can all be used to create jellyfish. Under adult supervision, allow students to use glitter pens, or glue and glitter, to decorate their shells. Have students cut yarn or tinsel into 3- or 4-inch long pieces to form jellyfish tentacles. Secure them together by tying a cord or piece of yarn tightly around all of the strips. Use craft glue to secure the tassel to the bottom of the shell. For a sea urchin shell, help students thread the tassel through the hole in the top before using glue to secure the tassel.