Spanish craft ideas can bring culture to life through hands-on activities and is one of the best ways to help children learn, and this flamenco dancer craft is a beautiful introduction to the sights and sounds of Spain. Also, look at my page Free Spain Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History.
With flowing tissue paper ruffles and bright colors, this simple project captures the energy and elegance of one of Spain’s most famous traditions.
As your children work on their dancer, take time to talk about where Spain is located. Spain sits on the Iberian Peninsula in Europe and shares a border with Portugal.
It is surrounded by water on three sides, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The capital city, Madrid, is located near the center of the country, while cities like Barcelona and Seville are known for their art, architecture, and cultural traditions.
Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. The country is surrounded by water on three sides: the Atlantic Ocean to the northwest and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and south.
BOOKS ABOUT SPAIN FOR KIDS
Next, look at these books about Spain.
We prefer living books when we can find them.
7 Books Set in Spain or About Spain
Grab one or two of these books about Spain to add to your reading day.
First published in France, this book was titled In the Footsteps of Don Quixote-fitting for our hero tracing the path of the chivalrous Don Quixote tilting at windmills! And yet there is so much more here; Anno leads his readers through scenes rich with historical, literary, artistic, and architectural beauty. Here the revolutionary genius of Antoni Gaudi is displayed with Sagrada Familia's tallest tower complete, and masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, and Velazquez are woven subtly into the landscape. The youngest readers will delight to discover Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Columbus's Santa Maria anchored just offshore. The adventure beckons the curious to take this delightful journey through Spain's rich and varied landscape. In addition to the beautiful scenes, the author has included notes in the back of the book that explain his journey and much of the detail in each scene, while still allowing the reader to discover things on their own. These notes draw out the various features of each scene which helps to teach the reader about Spanish history and culture.
Manolo was only three when his father, the great bullfighter Juan Olivar, died. But Juan is never far from Manolo's consciousness -- how could he be, with the entire town of Arcangel waiting for the day Manolo will fulfill his father's legacy? But Manolo has a secret he dares to share with no one -- he is a coward, without afición, the love of the sport that enables a bullfighter to rise above his fear and face a raging bull. As the day when he must enter the ring approaches, Manolo finds himself questioning which requires more courage: to follow in his father's legendary footsteps or to pursue his own destiny?
Describes the many things that originally came from Spain, such as inventions, animals, foods, sports, and music.
Ferdinand is the world's most peaceful--and--beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. Leaf's simple storytelling paired with Lawson's
pen-and-ink drawings make The Story of Ferdinand a true classic.
Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography—and fate—introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War, as well as the chilling realities of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. Lives and hearts collide when he's backed into a corner to protect those he loves, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.
or all lovers of horses and history! This latest book in the Horse Diaries series features an Andalusian horse in romantic sixteenth-century Spain. Southern Spain, 1570s Calvino is a dapple-gray Andalusian stallion. He grew up driving cattle in the mountains, but soon he catches the eye of King Philip II’s horse master. Now Calvino and his young rider, Rico, must learn the complicated moves of doma clásica riding. Calvino doesn’t understand the use of this prancing—until he and Rico are chosen to represent the king in a deadly bullfight that will put all his skills to the test. Here is Calvino’s story . . . in his own words.
When the great Velázquez was painting his masterpieces at the Spanish court in the seventeenth century, his colors were expertly mixed and his canvases carefully prepared by his slave, Juan de Pareja. In a vibrant novel which depicts both the beauty and the cruelty of the time and place, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño tells the story of Juan, who was born a slave and died an accomplished and respected artist. Upon the death of his indulgent mistress in Seville, Juan de Pareja was uprooted from the only home he had known and placed in the charge of a vicious gypsy muleteer to be sent north to his mistress's nephew and heir, Diego Velázquez, who recognized at once the intelligence and gentle breeding which were to make Juan his indispensable assistant and companion―and his lifelong friend.
Spain’s geography is very diverse.
ABOUT THE GEOGRAPHY OF SPAIN
Much of the country sits on a large plateau called the Meseta Central, which is surrounded by mountain ranges. One of the most famous is the Pyrenees, which forms a natural border between Spain and France.
Long ago, the region was part of Ancient Rome, which brought roads, language, and new ways of life. Later, much of Spain was ruled by Muslim leaders during a time known as Al-Andalus. This period influenced Spanish music, architecture, and culture.
Long ago, the Iberian Peninsula was home to ancient tribes called the Iberians and Celts. Later, the powerful empire of Ancient Rome conquered the region around 200 BC. The Romans built roads, cities, aqueducts, and introduced the Latin language that eventually evolved into Spanish.
In the year 711 AD, Muslim armies from North Africa crossed into Spain and established a powerful civilization known as Al-Andalus. During this time, Spanish cities became centers of learning, architecture, and science.
THE HISTORY OF FLAMENCO
Flamenco itself reflects this mix of cultures. It blends traditional Spanish music with influences from the Romani people and earlier Moorish styles. Performances often include a guitarist, a singer, and a dancer, along with rhythmic hand clapping called palmas. Watching flamenco is not just entertainment, it is a powerful form of storytelling through music and movement.
And it blends several cultural influences:
- Spanish folk traditions
- Romani (Gypsy) music
- Moorish musical styles from the time of Al-Andalus
Flamenco performances usually include:
- A dancer
- A guitarist
- Singing
- Rhythmic hand clapping- palmas
Flamenco dancing comes from the southern region of Andalusia. It is known for its strong rhythms, expressive movements, and dramatic costumes. Dancers often wear long dresses with layered ruffles that swirl as they move, making tissue paper perfect for today’s activity.
This craft can easily grow into a full Spain-themed lesson. You might add a map activity, try a simple Spanish recipe, or listen to flamenco music together while crafting.
These small additions help children connect what they are making with the real world, deepening their understanding and interest.
Of course I have included some activity ideas for you to add to this one.
10 FUN FACTS ABOUT SPAIN FOR KIDS
- Spain played a major role in world exploration during the 1400s and 1500s.
- The capital city of Spain is Madrid.
- Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
- Spain shares a border with Portugal.
- Flamenco music and dance began in Andalusia.
- Spain has both mountains and large central plains.
- The Pyrenees form a natural border between Spain and France.
- Spain has islands in both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
- The Spanish flag is red and yellow with a coat of arms.
- Spain is one of the world’s top producers of olive oil.
MORE SPANISH CRAFT IDEAS
- Create and Learn Chapas: How to Play!
- Make a unique Spanish Tile Craft – Global Sprouts.
- Create a simple Flamenco Dance Paper Fan.
- Grab these Colorful Picasso Craft Ideas To Make: Free Printable for Little Hands.
- DIY PAper Tomato to celebrate La Tomatina.
HOW TO MAKE A SPANISH FLAMENCO CRAFT
You will need:
- 81/2x 11 in any color cardstock/ construction paper
- Flesh colored paper
- Multiple tissue paper colors
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Choose a background color as your base.
From the flesh colored paper cut out a head, neck and shoulders, arms in two parts for easy arranging and hand shapes.
Cut several colors of tissue paper into 6×6 squares.
Accordion folds each of your colors, making them ¾” to 1” wide.
Glue down your head, neck and shoulders, then create a top by cutting a simple shirt shape out of tissue.
Create a braid by twisting a long dark piece of tissue.
Glue hair/bangs to the face as well as the braid on the back.
Pinch a small piece of bright tissue into a ball to create a flower and glue to the hair.
Bunch up each of your accordion folded tissue paper strips and glue to the waist to create a full skirt.
Glue the arms and hands into place in a fun pose.
Accordion fold a smaller piece of tissue paper and glue into place as a fan.
