FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS CRAFT!

August 14, 2023 4 Comments

Updated May 2026

Kids nursery rhyme, into five little Monkeys craft!

Do you remember any of these kids’ nursery rhymes?

You know the one that goes……five little monkeys jumping on the bed…one fell off and banged his head….but enough of me rabbiting on about it, here is how this one goes watch this quick video to remind you!

Do you remember now?  I found this short video, just to demo this nursery rhyme.

WHAT ARE KIDS LEARNING!

If you recall how this song goes, it’s about numbers, and in this instance it’s:-

  1. Counting backwards.
  2. Counting back in ones.
  3. Take-away or subtraction.
  4. Show what’s left when you subtract.
  5. Life skills.
  6. Health and safety.
  7. Playing safely.
  8. Learn from your mistakes.
  9. Damaging property.
  10. Listen to your adults.

HERE IS ANOTHER VERSION OF THIS RHYME.

This time, this nursery rhyme is about five little monkeys swinging in the trees!

Let’s have a look at that one:-

The ‘Five Little Monkeys Craft’ will be based on this particular version of the monkeys’ nursery rhyme.

WHAT VALUES ARE KIDS LEARNING IN THIS ONE.

In this version, let’s break down what monkeys should be learning, if not too late!

  1. Counting backwards.
  2. Counting back in ones.
  3. Take-away or subtraction.
  4. Show what’s left when you subtract.
  5. Life skills.
  6. Health and safety.
  7. Playing safely.
  8. Stay away from dangerous situations.
  9. Don’t provoke or ignite trouble.
  10. Do not take risks.

You wouldn’t think these songs would cover all these points, but in their simplicity, they do.

WHY MONKEYS?

I guess the reason why monkeys are used in this particular nursery rhyme is probably that monkeys are regarded as mischievous, naughty and getting up to no good, so the fact that they are jumping on the bed, or swinging in the trees, reflects this in their behaviour.

Also, the way this song is depicted is done in a way that’s fun with Lucky Go characters that are fondly remembered by kids.

TUNE GETS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD!

Don’t you find how sometimes certain tunes just keep on replaying in your mind, and you can’t shift them?

You may be humming away and wondering where you heard it, and why you’re singing it.

That’s why some of these melodies are easy, memorable and repetitive, written in a way where kids can remember them, by singing the nursery rhyme they are in fact learning, different counting skills.

MY INTENTION!

I want to demo this nursery rhyme in a Five Little Monkeys Craft.

What I plan to do is craft using cardboard inner tubes to make our happy-go-little monkeys, and use a long stick that will represent the branch of a tree.

TUBES, TUBES AND MORE TUBES!

Within all the posts I have crafted over time, I try to use any recycling that can be up-cycled in fun kids activities, so if you haven’t gathered yet, what I will be using for this project, then let me enlighten you.

I happen to gather tubes, tubes, and more tubes.

WHAT I COLLECTED!

I have found the cardboard inner tubes to be an excellent resource to use and turn into any subject you like, so I put them aside for such a project I will be making within this post.

Every time all the tissue is used up, simply save your cardboard inner tubes, and they will definitely come in handy to use in craft projects like this five little monkeys craft!

HOW TO SHOW THIS!

IT’S A TAIL THING!

The way to show these monkeys is to have them hanging from a branch by their tails, and by gently moving the branch, or stick, up and down, the monkeys will also be springing from their tails.

Then one by one they fall off the branch as you sing the song, although you will be slowly moving each one off the stick.

ANOTHER WAY TO COUNT!

With their reputation of being naughty, I thought this would also be a cool way for kids to see how to subtract or count backwards, once they start to drop off.

WHAT ABOUT THE ALIGATOR?

As someone has to hold the stick as well as pop the monkeys off, the other person, that being your child, can use both their hands to snap, clapping horizontally, pretending to be the ALIGATOR!

ARE YOU READY?

    RESOURCES.

  • 15-20 Cardboard inner tubes.
  • Scissors/small.
  • Doublesided tape/masking tape.
  • Acrylic paints/brown/ yellow/white/red/black.
  • Brushes/thick/fine.
  • Black felt-tip pens.
  • A long, fine stick.

LET’S GET GOING!

1) Flatten five tubes and draw a monkey faces, ears and tummies.
1) Flatten five tubes and draw a monkey faces, ears and tummies.
2) Draw eyes looking in different directions.
2) Draw eyes looking in different directions.
3) Grab another tube and follow the diagonal line cutting all the way to the top.
3) Grab another tube and follow the diagonal line cutting all the way to the top.
4) Until you have a twisted opening.
4) Until you have a twisted opening.
5) Now cut equal strips in a curved way up to the top. Just under 15mms wide. each, you will have four strips, two for the arms cut to same length and two for the legs.
5) Now cut equal strips in a curved way up to the top. Just under 15mms wide. each, you will have four strips, two for the arms cut to same length and two for the legs.
6) Carefully cut around the monkeys head, ears and a triangle piece on each side for shoulders.
6) Carefully cut around the monkeys head, ears and a triangle piece on each side for shoulders.
7) Find the longest strip and stick with double sided tape on the back and secure top part to the head,
7) Find the longest strip and stick with double sided tape on the back and secure top part to the head,
8) The tail should flck over the top of head.
8) The tail should flck over the top of head.
9) Now stick on with tape inside part of tube, arms and legs.
9) Now stick on with tape inside part of tube, arms and legs.
10) Draw two large feet and two mitten style hands.
10) Draw two large feet and two mitten style hands.
11) Take another tube and cut off approx. 30mm at one end and cut to open up.
11) Take another tube and cut off approx. 30mm at one end and cut to open up.
12) Flatten smaller piece, slightly cut both ends in a bit.
12) Flatten smaller piece, slightly cut both ends in a bit.
13) Stick a piece of double sided tape to either end, plus some masking tape.
13) Stick a piece of double sided tape to either end, plus some masking tape.
14) Curl down to form an oval shape and slide into the bottom of tube to the top of head.
14) Curl down to form an oval shape and slide into the bottom of tube to the top of head.
15) Once its pushed to the top secure all tapes inside the sides of the monkey.
15) Once its pushed to the top secure all tapes inside the sides of the monkey.
16) This will be the top part of the monkeys head, concealing the open gap on the sides.
16) This will be the top part of the monkeys head, concealing the open gap on the sides.
17) Here is the finished monkey.
17) Here is the finished monkey.
18) Complete all five monkeys in the same way.
18) Complete all five monkeys in the same way.
19) Now you can paint them.
19) Now you can paint them.
20) Paint light colours first, eyes, ears and tummies.
20) Paint light colours first, eyes, ears and tummies.
21) Use the same colour paint throughout do all at the same time.
21) Use the same colour paint throughout do all at the same time.
22) Here are the finished monkeys.
22) Here are the finished monkeys.
23) Curl the end of all the monkeys tails and hook onto the long stick, like so.
23) Curl the end of all the monkeys tails and hook onto the long stick, like so.
24) Now you are ready to sing the monkey song,
24) Now you are ready to sing the monkey song,
25) Count backwards as each one drops off the branch.
25) Count backwards as each one drops off the branch.
26) As you sing the song, then there would be two......
26) As you sing the song, then there would be two......
27) Then there was one......
27) Then there was one......
28) Then there were none, although the aligator would have snapped them all up!
28) Then there were none, although the aligator would have snapped them all up!

HERE’S A REMINDER OF THE MONKEY SONG!

‘ Five little monkeys swinging in the trees, teasing Mr Alligator…you can’t catch me! Along came Mr Alligator as quiet as can be and….SNAP! that monkey right out of that tree! ‘

   SOME TIPS!

     HOW MANY TUBES?
  • You may just need 15 tubes, one for the main body, one to cut out strips for tail, arms and legs, and another to cut the head part and to draw the feet and hands. The fourth tube could be a spare.
    FLAT IS EASIER.
  • Flatten the tube by squeezing it together and pressing it down. This would make it easier to draw the features when using a black felt-tip pen, then open it up again.
    THE FEATURES.
  • I drew a simple face, eyes, ears and a round section for nose and mouth, follow my example if you like.
    WORK ON STRIPS.
  • Decide on how wide you want the tail, arms, and legs to be and go with that size. You can cut at least four strips per tube. Arms and legs to be equal in length, shorter for arms.
  • If strips come apart here and there, simply stick back with some double-sided tape or masking tape.
    CROWNING THE HEAD.
  • Sliding the long section after you fold it round, up the bottom end to reach the top, might be a bit difficult as the tapes may stick on the inside before you reach the top. If it gets stuck, gently pull it out and try again.
  • Or you can push the crown part of the head through the top, although it may loose its shape and keep getting stuck, but try both and see which is easier for you.
    CHECK OUT YOUR GARDEN!
  • Find a long stick, look for fine branches that can hold all five monkeys. I got mine from my garden, after pruning a small tree.

LOOKING FOR CHEEKY MONKEY FUN?

Etsy logo

Look no further, as you can find some Monkey fun on Etsy!  🐒

Check out their range of Naughty Monkey fun craft kits that your kids can find, and are ready to grab and go!

There’s more, better still, no waiting, you can print out printables and have instant crafts.

Or how about working on your needlework, and sew, knit or crochet yourself cute little monkeys?

There is plenty to choose from in this range, and all available at Etsy!

Did you know you can get personalised cards for any occasion, making their card extra special?

Or see a smile or a giggle with their fun Cheeky Monkey occasion cards. There is a great selection and all in one place, and that’s Etsy!

When you click links in this post and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the craft projects shared on this website.😀
(Affiliate disclosure)

TO CONCLUDE!

In this post, I show you how you can craft five cheeky monkeys using cardboard inner tubes.

The idea is to replicate five little monkeys, but in this case, not jumping on a bed, but instead hanging from a branch with their tails.

WHILST SINGING!

As you sing the song, each monkey drops off, thus counting back from five, four, three…..

This is a super way to demonstrate counting back, or subtracting, in a creative way.

Also, you will be recycling your throw-outs!

Happy crafting!

Check out this other post on a counting game for kids!

LEARNING GAME FOR KIDS!
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4 thoughts on “FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS CRAFT!”

  1. This is such a fun learning project for kids & a great way to recycle toilet paper rolls! My daughter & I used to loved 5 Little Monkeys so we’re going to use this project to express our love for the rhyme while reinforcing counting backwards. You’re right, the tune does get stuck in our heads too! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    1. Hi Marlinda, so glad you like this project, and how to use your inner tubes!
      Love that you can create and learn at the same time with your daughter. I find
      counting backwards is a bit hard for kids to comprehend, but showing it in this
      way makes it easier, and fun at the same time singing away makes it stick too.
      As long as you are not singing this in the supermarket, you’ll be fine lol!
      Thanks for your super comment!
      Happy crafting!
      Julia?

      Reply

    1. HI there, I am glad you dropped by and had a look! I try to keep my viewers entertained,
      as well as teaching them a thing or two lol! I hope you got alot out of this article and
      can pass it on to members of your family, who can pass it on to their children.
      Let’s keep our children busy over the holidays, as well as having lots of fun in their
      creativity!
      Thanks for your comment, and Happy Crafting!

      Reply

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