Bring story time to life with a fun, hands-on Paper Plate craft inspired by The Little Donkey!
There is something magical about taking a favorite story beyond the pages of a book. When children create, imagine, and build something connected to a story, they have the opportunity to revisit the characters, explore the message, and make meaningful memories along the way.
This adorable Paper Plate Donkey Craft is the perfect companion activity for The Little Donkey. With just a few simple supplies, children can create their very own donkey friend while remembering an important lesson from the story: Everyone wants friends, some just take a little more patience than others.
Whether you are reading at home, adding it to a homeschool unit study, or looking for a fun classroom activity, this donkey craft is sure to bring smiles!
About The Little Donkey
Meet The Little Donkey — a story about a wild donkey, a kind little girl, and the gentle power of trust. Through patience, kindness, and understanding, the girl helps her new friend learn that life is better when we walk side by side.
This heart-to-heart picture book was written with special needs and autistic children in mind, helping little readers explore themes of patience, friendship, and empathy in a way they can relate to.
Perfect for ages 3–9, The Little Donkey reminds us that friends don’t have to look or speak alike to share something special.Read More about the Book here: Patience is a Matter of the Heart – Sillygeese Publishing
This paper plate donkey craft is a fun way for children to connect with the story and create their own reminder that they are special, valued, and loved.
✂️ Supplies Needed:
- silver or light gray Paper Plate
- printer and paper
- Template
- scissors
- glue
- yarn
- googly eyes (1 inch or size desired)
- Stapler (optional but helpful for groups)
How to Make Your Paper Plate Donkey Head
- Print and carefully cut out Donkey pieces.
- Glue on the ears, glue them to the back of the plate, making sure the color is facing the correct direction.
- Then glue the yarn between the ears
- Glue on the large oval to the bottom front of the plate.
- Glue on the nose dots as shown
- Attach large googly eyes. 1 in or so.
- Optionally decorate the donkey with bows, flowers, or white rectangles as teeth..
Extend the Learning
Crafts are a wonderful way to help children connect with the books they read. After making your Donkey, take some time to talk about the story:
Talk about times when Little Donkey had to wait, try again, or be patient. Ask children about a time when they had to practice something before they could do it.
Help children notice how Little Donkey and the other characters may be feeling. Talk about how we can show kindness when someone is sad, frustrated, or having a difficult time.
A simple craft can open the door to meaningful conversations about differences, friendship, and patience.
Get the Free Template
Want to make it even easier? Download our free printable little donkey pattern from the Free Resource Page (find the password in the last newsletter) or get it straight to your inbox by signing up for the newsletter below.
You’ll also get access to my full library of book-based crafts, coloring pages, and more creative fun.
Blessings,
—Shannon L. Mokry
