
Make these fun skipjacks out of paper towel tubes and recycled paper.
According to the Maryland Sea Grant, skipjacks were made by oystermen over 100 years ago specifically to dredge for oysters. They were named after the skipjack fish because they are quick and agile in the water. There were once over a thousand skipjacks on the Chesapeake Bay. Now there are only about 20 left. And, even less are still actively used to dredge for oysters.
Supplies you will need:
1 Paper towel tube
2 Sheets of recycled paper
1 length of yarn or string, 26 inches long
Crayons or coloring pencils
Tape
Scissors
Template — Skipjack template
The boat
Print out the template using the recycled paper if possible. (Alternatively, you can fold two pieces of paper into long rectangles and trim to corners). On one sheet, there will be two long boat pieces, one for each side of the boat. Once they are cut out, fold each piece along the dotted line. Students can add their name to the line provided and color the boat pieces to personalize them. Then put the two sides together and tape the ends only. Place the paper towel tube in the middle of the pieces and tape in place. The boat with the towel tube in the middle should be able to stand upright.
The sails
Next, cut out the two triangles from the second page of the template. (Alternatively, cut out two large triangles.) Tape each triangle to the paper tube as seen in the picture. Finally, take the string or yarn and drape it from one end of the boat, across the top of the tube, and over to the other end of the boat. Tape in place.
I hope you enjoy making these fun skipjacks with your kids.
The Maryland skipjack is featured in my children’s book, Olly Explores 7 Wonders of the Chesapeake Bay. Watch the book trailer is below.
Writing Tips
Are you interested in writing for children? You may be interested in my Writing Tips page where I post articles about some of the writing techniques I have learned along the way.
Tools I Use
Stop by my Tools I Use page where I share tools and resources I use to help me with my writing projects. I will add to it as I learn more about software and digital tools that make life a little easier for today’s writer. You can also find links to some of my favorite art supplies.
Check Out My Books
Check out my books on My Books page. I currently have four traditionally published picture books, but I am branching out into self-publishing. Hopefully, this will be a growing list.
Stay Updated
If you want to stay updated about my journey into self-publishing, new writing tips, craft projects, and book releases, sign up in the subscription box in the sidebar on the right hand side of your screen. I look forward to sharing my latest news with you!
This is so cute! I adore doing simple crafts like this!
Thanks so much Emily!
What a fun idea! Love this! Great for a rainy day!
Thanks Emily!
How fun! My guys would love this!
Thanks so much Erin!
Very cute! I should tell teachers about this when I talk about themed activities that include geometry.
That would be great. Thanks so much Cindy!
What a cute idea, definitely making this with my little one. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I hope you enjoy it. Thanks so much Deepika!