Build Your Own Monster: Printable Paper Doll Craft & Writing Activity

This build your own monster craft turns Halloween season into something kids can laugh at instead of hide from. Children dress up a stand-up paper doll in a friendly monster costume, give their monster a name, and then write about it. When they finish, they sign their very own Monster Certificate of Authenticity.

Who it's for: PreK to Grade 1 classrooms, homeschool, class parties, and rainy afternoons at home.

What kids do

• Choose a skin tone and hairstyle so the doll looks like them (or draw their own face)
• Pick a monster costume, color it, cut it out, and glue the mask and suit in place
• Fold the tab so their monster stands up on its own
• Name it, describe it, and draw it on the My Monster writing page
• Finish with a signed Monster Certificate of Authenticity

Three ways to use it

• Ready in color: less prep, great for younger kids or a quick party station
• Black and white: kids color their own monster
• Draw Your Own: blank templates for kids who want to invent something new

What's included (29 pages)

• 6 monster costumes in color and in black and white
• 3 blank Draw Your Own monster templates
• Bodies in 4 skin tones, plus black-and-white and blank-face versions
• 12 hairstyles in color and black and white
• My Monster writing page
• Monster Certificate (full page + ink-saving 2 per page)
• Step-by-step picture instructions

Supplies: printer, card stock for the body, regular paper for everything else, scissors, glue stick, crayons or markers.

What kids practice: cutting, folding, and gluing (fine motor skills), describing with words and pictures, counting (how many eyes?), and pretend play.

Why not-so-scary? Here, the child is the one wearing the monster suit, and every monster is friendly. It's a gentle way to enjoy Halloween with kids who find monsters a little too spooky. It works just as well in October as any time of year.

Tip: tape a craft stick to the back and your monster becomes a stick puppet for a quick puppet show.

Instant digital download. Letter size (8.5 x 11 in). Personal and single-classroom use.