Download these printable paper dolls for hours of at-home fun. While some little ones are able to return to school and nursery, they are still not able to socialise or play normally with their friends. These printable paper dolls are an easy lockdown activity that will support the development of your child’s vocabulary and self expression, boost their fine motor skills and fire up their imagination.
What you need
- ‘Make Me’ Paper Doll templates, available to download below.
- Printer with plain white paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick, blue tac or any kid-friendly adhesive
- Some imagination!
How to make your dolls
- Print off the templates
- Fold between each doll and help your little one to cut them out around the edges.
- Carefully cut around each clothing template, including the tabs.
- Encourage your little one to dress up the dolls in your favourite outfits.
- Get out their colouring pens and customise the dolls and their clothing!
Try our 4 favourite paper doll activities to inspire your creative play
1. ‘Make Me’ as a paper doll
Invite your little one to ‘Make Me’ with a doll that looks like them or their best friend. Cut out and try on different outfits and discuss different options and combinations together. Name the dolls and act out playing all together while they’re unable to play in real life with their little friends.
2. Play dress up
Dress their doll up for different occasions, from a birthday party to a weekly trip to the supermarket. Take the dolls out with you for your daily adventures: on a country walk, a trip to the garden centre or to (socially distanced) visit a friend. This will help your little one to keep up and further develop their social skills and to feel more engaged in their new routine.
3. Learn as you play
Use these dolls to open discussion with your little one about race and diversity. Point out the different skin tones that each doll has and how this reflects the world in which we all live. Rather than repeating the old adage that all races are equal, focus instead on appreciating the differences and normalising seeing characters, toys and media that don’t look like your child. It’s important to expose your kids to and normalise racial diversity and keep conversations about race open.
4. Make them your own
Use these printables as templates to make your own. Use another piece of paper to trace the outlines of each template and design your own. This is particularly good for slightly older children to inspire their imaginations and encourage their creative self-expression.
However you choose to use these sweet paper doll templates, don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media so we can see how you’re making the most of playtime during lockdown.
With love,
My 1st Years