Make a paper Anansi the spider
Learn how to make a colourful paper Anansi the spider puppet in a few simple steps with Joanna. Put on a show and retell the stories of the mischievous spider, or use the spider to decorate your home.
- Black card
- Coloured card
- Glue stick
- Straw
- Black pen
- Scissors
Who is this activity for?
This easy DIY idea is perfect to try with your little one, follow Joanna's simple steps and make your own paper Anansi the spider with a few simple craft items.
Crafting and sensory play is a great way for your child to develop their fine motor skills, language and imagination.
Puppet play is a great way to help children learn about their emotions and develop your toddler's conversation skills. You can find more information and tips about puppet play on CBeebies Parenting.
How to make a paper Anansi the spider
Once you have gathered your craft materials it's time to begin! Don’t forget to ask a grown-up to help with the scissors.
Cut two circles from your black card. You can use a cup or beaker to draw around to get the same size.
Use one circle and lay four black strips of card across the middle and stick them down with glue. These will be your spider legs.
Stick the paper straw underneath the legs, in the centre.
Take your other black circle and stick this on top. This will hold the legs and straw in place and give your spider a front and back.
To make Anansi's head, cut out a purple circle, slightly smaller than the body circles.
Cut out two small white circle shapes for eyes and stick them onto the head. Draw some pupils onto the eyes and a smile.
Stick the head onto the body and add some decorations using coloured card. Joanna used triangles and rectangles.
Bend each leg forward close to the body, then bend the leg in half to create a knee. Bend a small section up at the end to make a foot on each leg.
Who is Anansi the spider?
Anansi is a cheeky spider who appears in traditional stories from Africa and the Caribbean.
If you want to hear more about Anansi and hear one of his stories you can find Anansi and the Moss-Coloured Rock on BBC Bitesize school radio, a special musical story told by Rebecca and Andy.
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Find more things to make and do, watch fun clips and sing along with songs from CBeebies House.
