Did you know that October 20th is International Sloth Day? This day is the perfect time to break out the sloth crafts for preschool, especially if you are already tired of all things pumpkin!
This year, Monkey, Bo and I decided to celebrate International Sloth Day early by making these chenille stem sloths!
Sloth Crafts for Preschool: Chenille Stem Sloth Craft
This project is super easy, mess-free, and perfect for all ages!
Supplies:
For each sloth you will need:
- 2 white chenille stems (you could also use brown, but we didn’t have brown)
- 1 black chenille stem
- 1 green chenille stem
Step 1: Make the sloth face
Shape the sloth’s face by creating two small loops from the black chenille stem to make the eyes and a third, smaller loop for the snout. Leave a small trail of stem as shown in the photo so you can attach the face to the body later.
Step 2: Make the sloth’s head and body
Fold one white chenille step in half. Leave a loop at the top slightly larger than the sloth face you made previously. Twist the rest of the stem together except for the last 2-3 inches to create the body. Separate the two ends of the stem to make the bottom legs of the sloth. Curve the tips of the stem over to make the claws or hands so the sloth can attach to the branch later.
Step 3: finish the body
Use the last white chenille stem to create the front two legs and bulk up the body and head. We didn’t use any particular science or order here, we just wrapped the stem where we thought it looked like the sloth needed some extra weight. Fold the end of each leg over just like you did for the bottom legs.
Step 4: Attach the face
Place the face piece over the head loop. Use the remaining end of the face piece to wrap around the sloth’s neck and hold the face in place.
Step 5: Make a tree limb
Twist the green chenille stem into a branch shape. We put a loop at the end of ours so we could hang our sloth. Wrap the sloth’s four claws around the branch and let it hang down like a real sloth.
Now you can create a whole army of sloths of various sizes for a whole sloth colony.
If you make any sloth crafts for preschool or any other age group, don’t forget to share your results on the Schooling a Monkey Facebook page! We love seeing what you make!
Joining in the fun for International Sloth Day
Peakle Pie – Sloth Games
Witty Hoots – Gingerbread Sloths
Words and Needles – Paper Crafts to Celebrate Sloth Day
Kelly’s Classroom – Facts About Sloths
Share it! Science News – Amazing Adaptations
Craft Create Calm – Sloth Books for Kids
Sticky Booger Home Schoolers – Feeling Slothy! Facts and Ideas
