Looking for a simple and frugal sports craft for kids? This paper plate basketball craft is an easy win! With a few basic supplies, kids can create their own basketball while building fine motor skills and having fun with art.
It’s perfect for sports themes, March Madness activities, or a letter Bb craft. Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in the classroom, or want a fun creative activity, this basketball craft is low-prep, budget-friendly, and kid-approved.
A Simple Basketball Project for Kids
Sports themes have always been big hits in our homeschool. When my boys were younger, I found that using these themes would be fantastic ways to engage them in creative activities.
This paper plate basketball craft was one of those quick and easy projects we could jump into without a lot of prep or expensive supplies. We’ve used it as a letter Bb activity for homeschool preschool. Also, it was perfect for a basketball party craft, and even to get into the spirit during March Madness. It’s one of those frugal ideas that works for different ages.
Want a low-stress way to add some creative fun to your day? You’ve got to try this basketball craft!
What You’ll Need for This Basketball Craft
You only need a few simple, budget-friendly supplies to make this paper plate basketball craft. And you probably already have these items at home or in your classroom which makes this an easy project to start anytime.
- Paper plate
- Orange paint
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Black paint or black marker
Add your own special touch to your basketball. Use different colors of paints for a unique basketball.
If you’d rather not use paint because of the mess, try tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix).
How to Make This Paper Plate Basketball
Paint the paper plate.
Flip the paper plate over so the back is facing up. Paint the entire back of the plate orange. Use long brush strokes or a sponge to cover it evenly. Let it dry. Set the plate aside and allow it to dry completely.
Add the lines.
Once dry, use black paint or a black marker to draw two curved lines down each side of the plate. These lines should gently curve inward, like the seams on a real basketball. Draw one straight line down the middle of the plate from top to bottom. Then, draw another straight line across the center from left to right, crossing the first line.
Ideas for Customizing and Using This Basketball Craft
One of the best things about this paper plate basketball craft is how easy it is to adapt and reuse for different ages, themes, and learning goals. Here are a few simple ways to customize it and make it work for your crew:
- Letter Bb Activity: Write or trace the letter B or Bb on the basketball. You can also add words like ball or basketball to build early literacy skills.
- March Madness Fun: Use this craft to kick off March Madness! Let kids decorate their basketballs with team colors or brackets, then display them as DIY decorations.
- Basketball Party Craft: Set this up as a low-prep craft station for a basketball-themed party or playdate. Provide markers, stickers, or foam shapes so kids can personalize their designs.
- Art Skill Boost: Encourage your students to try different painting techniques with sponges, fingerprints, or textured strokes.
Other Fun Basketball Ideas for Kids
If your kids are anything like mine, once you start a theme, they’re ready for more. Basketball is such a fun and flexible topic to build learning and creativity around, especially during sports seasons or March Madness.
After making this paper plate basketball craft, you can keep the fun going with basketball-themed games, activities, and books. Here are a few of our favorite basketball-inspired ideas:
Mini Basketball, Table Top Games for Kids and Adults, Desktop Games, Desk Toys for Office for Adults, Basketball Gifts for Boys 8-12It’s a Numbers Game! Basketball: The Math Behind the Perfect Bounce Pass, the Buzzer-Beating Bank Shot, and So Much More!My First Book of Basketball (Board Book) (Sports Illustrated Kids My First Book)Slam Dunk Mad Libs: World’s Greatest Word Game About Basketball
Creative Basketball Fun for Kids
This paper plate basketball craft is a simple reminder that learning and creativity don’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful. With just a few basic supplies, you can enjoy a fun hands-on activity that works for sports themes, letter learning, and seasonal fun (like March Madness).
How will you be using this craft with your kids? And what ideas do you have for making this project? Please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
