Daffodil Dragon Collage: Free Printable Craft Activity for Reception

Daffodil Dragon Collage is a free printable craft activity for Reception (ages 4 to 5) in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children tear red paper scales, tear green paper grass and print yellow daffodils with a fingertip. It is made for St David's Day, and an adult reads each step aloud.

It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.

What is on the sheet

Children make a dragon collage in short, simple steps. They tear red paper into scales and stick them on the dragon. They tear green paper for grass and stick it underneath. Then they print yellow daffodils with a finger and draw the dragon's eye and fiery breath. There is also a chance to count scales out loud and show a grown up their best scale. An adult reads each step aloud.

• Tear red paper scales. Stick them on the dragon.
• Tear green paper grass. Stick it under the dragon.
• Print yellow daffodils with your finger.
• Draw the dragon's eye and fiery breath.
• Tear six red paper scales. Count them out loud.
• Dip one finger in yellow paint. Print a daffodil petal.
• Show a grown up your best scale. Say its colour.

Getting ready

Why a daffodil dragon for St David's Day?

Fun facts about St David's Day

• St David's Day is on 1 March every year.
• Saint David is the patron saint of Wales.
• The daffodil is a national emblem of Wales.
• A dragon appears on the Welsh flag.
• Daffodils grow from bulbs and flower in spring.

Skills and curriculum link

• Tearing paper
• Sticking
• Finger printing
• Naming colours
• Counting aloud
• Fine motor control

Ideas to help you talk about it

• Look at real daffodilsIf you can, look at a daffodil in a garden, a shop or a picture. Ask what shape the petals are and what colour the middle is.
• Talk about springDaffodils flower in spring. Ask your child what else they notice growing or changing at this time of year.
• Imagine the dragonAsk what sort of dragon this is. Is it friendly, sleepy or silly? Let the child decide before they start.
• A Welsh greetingSome families like to say Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus, which means Happy St David's Day. Try it together if you wish.

Key words

• TearPull paper apart with your fingers instead of cutting it.
• ScaleA small flat piece that covers the skin of a fish or reptile. Dragons in stories have scales too.
• CollageA picture made by sticking different pieces onto a page.
• PrintPress something onto paper to leave a mark, like a fingertip dipped in paint.
• PetalOne of the soft coloured parts of a flower.
• OutlineThe line that shows the edge of a shape.

How to use it

1. Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has notes for the grown up.
2. Draw a big dragon outline on card. Put out red, green and yellow paper, glue and yellow paint.
3. Read each step aloud, one at a time. Let your child tear, stick, print and draw at their own pace.
4. Talk about what they are making. Ask about the colours, the dragon's face and the daffodils.
5. Come back another day to make another dragon. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.

Help, stretch and game ideas

Talk about it

• What colour are the dragon's scales? Can you point to your favourite one?
• What does the grass feel like when you tear it?
• What shape is a daffodil petal?
• Is your dragon friendly or fierce? How can you tell?
• What would the dragon like to do in a field of daffodils?
• What else could we make for St David's Day?

Take it off the page

Who it is for

Where this fits in

Before this activity, children usually enjoy squeezing, pinching, scrunching and making marks with paint. These early experiences build the hand strength needed for tearing paper and printing with a finger. Playing with dough and drawing in sand or foam also help.

After it, children can move on to cutting with scissors, making collages with more detail and mixing paint colours. In the Early Years Foundation Stage this supports the Expressive Arts and Design area, where children explore and use materials. Later they will draw and paint with more control and plan their own pictures.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What age is Daffodil Dragon Collage for?

It is written for Reception, ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Younger children can join in with help, and older children can use the stretch idea to make their dragon more detailed.

What will children practise?

Children practise tearing paper, sticking, finger printing and naming colours. They also count aloud and talk about their work. These steps build fine motor control and give children a chance to make their own creative choices.

Is it free?

Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another group. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London.

Do I need to print in colour?

No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. The colour comes from the red, green and yellow paper and paint that you give your child, not from the printout.

Does my child need scissors?

No. Children tear the paper with their fingers, which builds hand strength and keeps the activity safe and simple. Torn edges make good dragon scales and grass. An adult can pre tear paper for children who find it tiring.

Can teachers use it in class?

Yes. It works as a table activity, a small group craft or part of St David's Day planning. It needs no preparation beyond printing and drawing a dragon outline. Page 2 offers help and stretch ideas for mixed groups.

How long does it take?

There is no set time. Let your child work at their own pace and stop when they lose interest. You can spread the steps over more than one sitting and come back to finish the dragon another day.