Easy Paper Plate Noah’s Ark Craft for Kids

The Bible story of Noah’s Ark is a wonderful way to talk to children about listening, following instructions and keeping promises. It also gives us plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning—with animals to identify, pairs to match and a bright rainbow to paint!

We made this easy Paper Plate Noah’s Ark Craft while learning about Noah. It uses a paper plate, brown craft paper and animal stickers, making it a simple Bible activity for Sunday school, Christian preschool, homeschool or an at-home lesson.

This craft is best suited to children ages 3–7 and takes about 25–30 minutes, plus drying time. Younger children may need help with cutting, while older children can draw and cut out their own animals.

Age: 3–7 years
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 25–30 minutes plus drying
Mess level: Medium if using paint
Best for: Sunday school, Christian preschool, homeschool and Bible lessons

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Noah’s Ark Bible Verse for Kids

After the flood, the rainbow became a sign of God’s promise.

“I will put my rainbow in the clouds to be a sign of my promise to the earth.”

— Genesis 9:13, GW

As children make the craft, you can talk about how Noah listened and followed God’s instructions, how the animals entered the ark in pairs and how the rainbow represents God’s promise.

Supplies for the Paper Plate Noah’s Ark Craft

One white paper plate
Brown cardstock, craft paper or a clean brown paper bag
Animal stickers, foam animal cutouts or printed animal pictures
Washable tempera or poster paints in rainbow colors
Paintbrush
Black marker
Pencil
Child-safe scissors
Glue stick

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If you can’t find foam animal stickers, children can use regular stickers, cut animals from old magazines, print small animal pictures or draw their own. Try to include two of each animal so children can practise matching pairs.

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Helpful supplies:

Animal foam stickers: Amazon.com | Amazon India
Washable tempera paint: Amazon.com | Amazon India
Noah’s Ark picture books: Amazon.com | Amazon India

How to Make a Paper Plate Noah’s Ark Craft

Paint the rainbow. Starting at the outer edge of the paper plate, paint curved bands of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Cover approximately the upper three-quarters of the plate.
Leave the plate to dry. Place it somewhere flat so the colors don’t run into one another.
Make the ark. Place the bottom edge of the paper plate over brown cardstock and use it as a guide to trace a wide semicircle.
Cut out the ark. Younger children may need adult help with this step. If brown cardstock isn’t available, cut a second paper plate into a semicircle and paint it brown.
Add wooden details. Use a black marker to draw horizontal and vertical lines across the brown paper so it looks like the ark is made from wooden planks.
Choose the animals. Ask your child to find two of each animal. Arrange the pairs so their heads appear above the top of the ark.
Assemble the craft. Glue the animals in place, then paste the brown ark across the lower section of the paper plate.
Add the finishing touches. Children can add Noah, clouds, raindrops, waves or a short message such as “God keeps His promises.”

Easy No-Paint Version

If you are making this craft with a large group or don’t have enough drying space, use crayons, washable markers or dot markers instead of paint.

You can also prepare the paper plates and brown ark shapes before class. Children can then color the rainbow, match the animal pairs and glue everything together.

Sunday School and Classroom Tips

Write each child’s name on the back of the plate before painting.
Precut the brown semicircles for preschoolers.
Sort animal stickers into pairs before the lesson.
Use glue sticks instead of liquid glue for less mess.
Place painted plates on a labeled drying rack.
Let children use the finished ark to retell the story.
Ask older children to draw and label their own animals.

Foam stickers and other small craft pieces may be choking hazards, so closely supervise children under three.

Learning Activities to Try with This Noah’s Ark Craft

This activity can reinforce several early-learning skills alongside the Bible lesson.

Matching: Find two of each animal.
Counting: Count the animals by twos.
Color recognition: Name the rainbow colors in order.
Animal identification: Name each animal and imitate its sound.
Sorting: Group the animals by habitat, size or type.
Story sequencing: Retell what happened before, during and after the flood.
Fine-motor practice: Paint, cut, position and glue the pieces.

Questions to Ask Children

Can you find two of each animal?
Which animals live on a farm?
Which animals live in a forest or jungle?
Which animal is the tallest?
What color comes after yellow in the rainbow?
What does the rainbow represent in Noah’s story?
Can you use your finished craft to retell the story?

For another animal matching and sorting activity, explore our Farm Theme Printable File Folder Game.

More Paper Plate, Rainbow and Animal Crafts

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this Noah’s Ark craft suitable for?

This craft is best for children ages 3–7. Preschoolers may need help cutting the ark, while kindergarten and early elementary children can complete most of the activity independently.

Can we make the craft without foam animal stickers?

Yes. Use regular animal stickers, printed pictures, magazine cutouts or child-drawn animals. The important part is arranging the animals in pairs.

How can I make this activity less messy?

Replace the paint with crayons, washable markers or dot markers. You can also precut the brown ark and provide glue sticks instead of liquid glue.

Why are the animals placed in pairs?

In the Bible story, Noah brings animals into the ark in pairs. Matching two of each animal also turns the craft into a simple counting and visual discrimination activity.

What does the rainbow represent in Noah’s Ark?

In the Bible story, the rainbow is a sign of God’s promise to the earth after the flood.

Can I use this craft for Sunday school?

Yes. It works well for Sunday school, children’s church, Christian preschool and homeschool Bible lessons. Children can use their completed craft as a visual aid while retelling the story.

This cheerful paper plate ark is simple enough for young children but offers plenty of opportunities for learning. The best part is letting the kids choose their animals, find the matching pairs and bring the story to life in their own way!