At a Glance
This Draw a Dolphin sheet is a gentle step up from a plain coloring page for your toddlers, preschoolers and other young learners. Children first trace the dotted outline to complete the dolphin, then color it in however they like. The two-step format builds pencil control, hand-eye coordination and finger strength, with plenty of room for creativity along the way.
This Draw a Dolphin sheet is a gentle step up from a regular coloring page. Your little ones will need to trace the outline of the dolphin to complete the picture, then color it in.
Perfect for little artists, this fun activity lets kids trace and color their very own cute marine mammal.
Whether they stick to traditional colors or create a dolphin with their unique flair, it’s a great way to spark imagination and fine motor skills.
If your little ones love coloring, you can check out more cool coloring pages here.
What Skills Can Your kids Learn When Tracing and Coloring?
Now you may not think it, but there’s actually quite a lot of skills that can be practiced and developed when your children are happily coloring away.
This ocean animal coloring page can help your children practice and develop their writing skills, such as:
- Hand-eye coordination – to be able to understand what they are seeing and get their hands to go where they want them to go
- Hand and finger strength – the ability to be able to apply enough pressure to make marks on the page and hold the pencil firmly
- Hand dominance – developing and strengthening the skill of one of their hands
- Crossing the mid-line – this is the ability to cross the imaginary line running down the center of your body – it means they won’t have to switch hands if they want to color on the other side of the page
- Pencil grip and control – holding the marker correctly to allow for a full and fluid range of movement
These are all vital skills that will set them up to be brilliant at writing in the future! But let’s not forget:
- Creativity – coloring is a great way to promote a child’s creativity.
Coloring pages can also be great for children’s focus when they’re trying their hardest to stay in the lines and I’m sure as anyone out there who’s ever picked up an ‘adult’ coloring book – they can also be a great way to relax and have a moment of calm.
How To Prepare This Simple Draw a Dolphin Printable
First you need to download it by clicking on the download box at the bottom of the page.
Not a member yet – what are you waiting for? Become a member and get INSTANT access to all the awesome activities today!
Then print it out.
That’s pretty much it – just need to grab some coloring pencils, pens or crayons and they’re good to go!
They’ll need to carefully follow the dotted line to finish the dolphin drawing, then they can color it in.
Some Other Ways You Could Use This Draw a Dolphin Page
Under-the-Sea Listening Game
Play gentle ocean sounds (or just do your best waves impression…). Children trace and color only while they can hear the sound and pause when it stops. Great for listening skills and self-control.
Name and Label
After completing the page, have children give their dolphin a name and add labels (you can write the words if they’re not able, they draw arrows): fin, tail etc.
Story Starter
Ask: “Your dolphin made a new friend today… who was it?” Children draw one extra ocean animal in the background and tell you something about their adventure.
Ocean Scene Collage
After tracing and coloring, your kids can tear and glue blue paper scraps around the dolphin for water, then add green seaweed strips. Tearing paper is brilliant for those little hands.
Classroom Ocean Gallery Walk
Tape finished dolphins around the room. Kids walk around like they’re at an aquarium and can be a good chance to practice speaking: “I notice…” / “I like this dolphin… because…” / “This one has…”
However you use this tracing activity – I hope you and your little ones enjoy it!
