If your little learners love nursery rhymes as much as we do, you’re going to have an absolute blast with this hands-on Hey Diddle Diddle craft!
It’s a super simple and budget-friendly project that brings this classic rhyme to life. Enjoy it for summer fun, nursery rhyme units, or just a creative afternoon activity that gets kids smiling and storytelling.
This adorable cow-jumping-over-the-moon craft uses just a few basic supplies (including paper plate) that turns into a moveable story prop. I’m sharing my tips for making, as well as easy extensions for learning and play.
Nursery Rhyme Craft That’s Perfect for Storytime Fun
When my boys were little, nursery rhymes were a huge part of our fun-focused learning adventures. I loved how these simple classics helped us build language skills, spark giggles, and create special moments together.
Oh my! I have so many precious memories of our homeschool preschool days, especially activities that combined reading, singing, movement, and creativity. In fact, I was inspired to make a Preschool Enchantment unit study based on Hey Diddle Diddle.
As I was working on it, I remembered this adorable paper plate craft and had to share with you now. There are so many things that I love about this project. It’s budget-friendly and interactive plus you can use it as a story prop!.
I hope that your kids (and you) enjoy this simple and fun way to enjoy a classic.
What You’ll Need for This Nursery Rhyme Craft
You don’t need anything fancy to make this Hey Diddle Diddle paper plate craft! All it takes is a few basic craft supplies that you probably already have at home or in your classroom. Simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for a last-minute activity that packs a big punch of fun!
- Paper plate
- Yellow paint and paintbrush (or foam brush)
- White and black construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick or school glue
- Black marker
- Jumbo popsicle stick
How to Make This Hey Diddle Diddle Craft
Make the Moon.
Cut a paper plate into a crescent moon shape. Paint it yellow and set it aside to dry.
Make the Shapes of the Cow.
Cut a rounded rectangle out of white construction paper for the cow’s body.
Then cut a smaller oval or circle for the head. Cut out black construction paper spots and glue them onto the cow’s body.
Cut four small white rectangles for legs.
Cut out two black ears and a small tail.
Add the Details.
Use the marker for the face details. Use a black marker to color in the ends for hooves.
Assemble the Cow and Attach the Stick.
Glue the head onto the top of the body.
Glue the ears behind the head and attach the tail to the back of the body.
Glue the four legs under the body.
Glue the finished cow to the top of a popsicle stick to make a puppet.
Creative Ideas for Making and Using This Paper Plate Craft
This Hey Diddle Diddle paper plate craft is more than just a cute project. It really is a wonderful fun-focused way to help your children see their hard work come to life. Here are some simple and creative ways to make the most of it:
While You Work On Your Project:
- Read or listen to the nursery rhyme while crafting! Search for a sing-along version or instrumental on YouTube or Spotify to play in the background.
- Invite kids to color their cow however they’d like. They can make it spotted, rainbow, or even glittery!
- Prepare ahead of time for a smoother crafting experience (especially if you’re working with little ones or short on time). Pre-cut shapes or sketch cow parts lightly in pencil as cutting guides.
Once Your Hey Diddle Diddle Craft Is Made:
- Use it as a story prop! Let kids “jump” the cow over the moon as they recite or sing the rhyme.
- Put on a puppet show with a cardboard box stage or blanket fort theater. Oh, and it’s fun to add other characters from the nursery rhyme, like the cat, fiddle, or dish and spoon!
- Create a nursery rhyme corner with favorite crafts, books, and props for retelling time.
- Add a bit of a literacy boost: Write the rhyme out (on paper, whiteboard, or chalkboard). Encourage your student to point to each word as they say it.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Hey Diddle Diddle Craft
This craft works well for preschool through early elementary. Younger kids may need some help with cutting and gluing, as well as drawing the cow face. Older students can take more creative control and even help younger siblings.
Definitely! If you’re short on time or working with a group, you can pre-cut the shapes and have everything ready to go. Just hand over the supplies and let the kids put it together!
Nope! If you want to skip the paint, try yellow crayons, markers, or even tissue paper squares for a textured moon. Tempera paint sticks (like our favorite, Kwik Stix) work very well, too.
No worries! You can use a straw, craft stick, skewer (with the pointy end snipped off), or even an empty toilet paper roll Anything that gives the cow a “stick puppet” effect works!
Enjoy This Delightful Way to Create and Learn
This Hey Diddle Diddle paper plate craft is such a sweet and simple way to bring a nursery rhyme to life. Whether you’re crafting with your own kids, students, or a storytime crew, it’s a hands-on project that sparks creativity, encourages retelling, and makes learning memorable.
If you like this activity and want to take the fun even further, be sure to pop over and take a peek at my Hey Diddle Diddle Preschool Enchantment Unit! It’s packed with playful learning ideas, themed activities, and printables to help enjoy a relaxed and joyful week of homeschool preschool fun.
Wishing you tons of fun making magical memories and turning learning into an adventure your kids will never forget!
