• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Get Our Latest Updates: Download a FREE Set of Coloring Pages! ⇾

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Friends Art Lab

Friends Art Lab

LOGIN

Menu Icon
Close Extra Navigation
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
go to homepage
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
  • Coloring Banners
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Shop
    • Coloring Pages
    • Coloring Banners
    • Virtual Preschool
    • Sensory Kits
    • Directed Draws
    • Journaling Prompts
    • Gift Card
  • Blog
    • Sensory
    • Art
    • Outdoor
    • Science
    • Draw
    • Math
Friends Art Lab / Blog / Torn Paper Apples: An Easy Fine Motor Activity

Torn Paper Apples: An Easy Fine Motor Activity

By Kristian Klebofski   Published: February 28, 2023    Updated: February 28, 2023

Tearing paper can be tricky for little hands, and ripping pieces of paper is excellent fine motor practice! Torn paper apples are as full of learning as they are adorable. 

A completed torn paper apple project: the outline of an apple drawn on a white piece of paper is filled with torn pieces of paper.
Table of Contents:
  1. Torn paper apples are bursting at the seams with learning
  2. There’s so much of the “good stuff” in creating torn paper apples
  3. Materials
  4. Directions
  5. The reason why we love tearing paper (hint bilateral coordination)
  6. Why is bilateral coordination important?
  7. FAQ
  8. We love the benefits and cuteness of torn paper apples

Torn paper apples are bursting at the seams with learning

Little humans tearing small pieces of paper into smaller pieces is precious to watch.

Their eyes are full of concentration, their hands work in unison to tear, their eyebrows furrow with focus, and there are shrieks of excitement as the table becomes covered in chunky paper confetti.

And, since so, so much of preschool is about building fine motor skills, torn paper projects are extra delicious.

Related: Our GIANT 10-foot coloring banners are the ultimate fine motor activity! And guess what? We have an apple banner, too!

The outline of an apple is filled with lots of glue. A bottle of glue and a black marker sit next to the paper.

There’s so much of the “good stuff” in creating torn paper apples

I could easily do a torn paper project with preschoolers every season. Apples, pumpkins, hearts, you name it!

Even though you have a cute final piece when finished, the “good stuff” of this project comes in the process—the making. 

And since so, so much of preschool is about building fine motor skills, torn paper projects are extra delicious.

The best part? You might have everything you need to make these right now!

Looking for more fun apple activities? These sure are sweet:

  • Apple Washing Bin Sensory Activity – Busy Toddler
  • Apple Tree Roll and Cover Math Game – Fun Learning for Kids
  • Explore the Inside of an Apple – Buggy and Buddy
The materials for the torn paper apple project: papers (white, brown, green, and red), a bottle of school glue, and a black Crayola marker.

Materials

  • Colored paper – such as construction paper or cardstock
  • White paper
  • Black marker 
  • Glue
A close up of art: an apple outline is filled in with torn pieces of red, brown, and green papers.

Directions

  • Draw – Begin by drawing the outline of a large apple on a white piece of paper. Don’t overthink it! A simple circle shape for the apple with a rectangle shape on top for the stem is all you need.
  • Glue – Invite your child to squirt a LOT of glue onto the apple outline. This part is FUN! Kids are often used to hearing, “Don’t use too much glue!” and when they instead hear, “More! More! More!” it can be thrilling.
  • Rip – Provide your child with colorful paper for the body of the apple. It can be challenging for kids to hold and manipulate full-sheet papers, so instead, tear some into smaller pieces (half sheet or quarter sheet) to help them be successful. Then, invite them to push their torn papers onto their gluey apples.
  • Dry – Because there’s a lot of glue, these will need some time to try (overnight is best).
A hand holds a small pile of pieces of red paper torn up.

The reason why we love tearing paper (hint: bilateral coordination)

Bilateral coordination is often a term used in occupational therapy, but it’s a skill people of all ages use daily in nearly every place where they are.

First, let’s learn what it is, then we’ll talk about why it’s important.

What is bilateral coordination? It’s a movement in which both sides of the body work together to complete one task, often with each side of the body doing different things. Let’s illustrate this:

  • Zipping a jacket: When zipping a jacket, both sides of the body – the left hand and the right hand – are working together. The left hand might hold the base of the zipper nice and taut while the right hand moves the zipper from the bottom of the jacket up to the top. Both sides of the body work together on the same task.
  • Lacing a necklace: When lacing a necklace, both sides of the body – the left hand and the right hand – are working together. The left hand might be holding the string straight, while the right hand grabs a bead and threads it onto the string. Both sides of the body work together on the same task.
The outline of an apple is filled with lots of glue. A bottle of glue and a black marker sit next to the paper.

Why is bilateral coordination important?

Many, many, many tasks required for independence rely on bilateral coordination. For example, to zip a jacket or lace a necklace, a person must be able to use both sides of their body together.

Other skills that require bilateral coordination:

  • Tying shoes (each hand holds a lace and does something different with each lace)
  • Cutting paper (one hand holds paper, the other manipulates scissors)
  • Coloring on paper (one hand holds the paper in place, the other controls the marker)

Tearing paper is an EXCELLENT opportunity to practice bilateral coordination skills because when tearing paper, two sides of the body (left and right hands) work together to accomplish one task (turning one large piece of paper into smaller pieces).

Understanding the benefits of and necessity for bilateral coordination was one of my favorite things I learned in college and something I can never get enough of in the classroom.

A completed torn paper apple project: the outline of an apple drawn on a white piece of paper is filled with torn pieces of paper.

FAQ

Is ripping paper sensory?

YES! Kids are touching, looking at, and listening to the paper being manipulated during this activity.

What kind of paper works best for tearing?

We usually use construction paper or colored cardstock.

What age is this activity for?

Children who have the skills to tear paper and who will not try to ingest any of the materials.

We love the benefits and cuteness of torn paper apples

They’re adorable and educational.

Whether your child makes a single apple or your entire class makes a bushel, they’re always such a sweet, simple activity.

How many apples are you going to make?

Friends Art Lab Best Resources:

GIANT 10-Foot Coloring Banners 🎨
Directed Draw Sets for Kids ✍🏼
Learn About Virtual Preschool 🖥️
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
← Previous Post
Apple Science Experiment with Baking Soda & Vinegar
Next Post →
Rainbow Sponge Painting Art Project

EXPLORE A CATEGORYArt, Math

Related Activities

  • Paper Towel Drip Art
  • Scrunched Tissue Paper Heart Art
  • Eric Carle Inspired Paper Collages
  • 9 Non-Paper Cutting Activities for Preschoolers

Let’s Stay Connected!

Get our favorite ideas and news sent directly to your inbox.

Reader Interactions

LEAVE A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Kristian

Hi, I’m Kristian!

I love all things early childhood. Having earned a master's degree in education, I love sharing my passion and knowledge both as a classroom preschool teacher and college professor. Friends Art Lab is my heart and I'm excited to share with you! LEARN MORE

Our Favorite Art Posts

Giant Outer Space Coloring Banner

Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Planets

Puffy Moon Art for Kids (with 2 Ingredients!)

Spring Directed Draws for Kids – 8 Designs

ALL ART POSTS

Our Favorite Sensory Posts

Outer Space Play Dough Activity

St. Patrick’s Day Gold Coin Science Experiment for Kids

How to Make Lemon Boats for Water Table Fun

Lemon and Watercolor Science

Lemon Stamp Art

Finger Painting with Rice – A Sensory Dream

ALL SENSORY POSTS

Footer

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Friends Art Lab Shop

  • Coloring Banners
  • Virtual Preschool
  • Coloring Pages
  • Sensory Kits
  • Directed Draws
  • Affiliate Shop

Visit the Blog

  • Sensory
  • Art
  • Outdoor
  • Science
  • Draw
  • Math

Customer Service

  • Contact Us
  • Shipping
  • Return Policy
  • Gift Card
  • FAQ
  • About Us

© 2023 Friends Art Lab ·  Privacy Policy ·  Terms & Conditions ·  Disclosure ·  Website by Anchored Design