Y Is for Yacht Handprint Craft (Free Printable Template)
Y is for yacht handprint art is a fun way to help kids connect the letter Y with something they can see and touch.
By turning a simple painted handprint into a colorful yacht, children practice fine motor skills while building early literacy connections.
This activity works well for preschool or kindergarten, whether you’re focusing on alphabet lessons or just looking for a creative project to brighten the day.
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Yacht Handprint Craft
This handprint yacht craft is a simple way to bring the letter Y to life for young learners.
Instead of just tracing or coloring, kids use their own painted handprint to create the sail, which makes the activity both personal and memorable.
The connection between the letter Y and the yacht becomes more concrete through this hands-on process, supporting early literacy and fine motor development.
As children paint and press their handprints, they strengthen grip control, while also linking the ‘Y’ sound to the word yacht.
Each child’s yacht will look different, whether they choose bold paint colors, add waves, or decorate the boat with markers, making the finished project a keepsake worth saving.
The free printable template works well at home or in a preschool classroom and is ready to use with just a few supplies.
How to use
Print the free template below, it’s designed to fit a full page. For the best results, use cardstock so the paper doesn’t wrinkle under the paint, though regular printer paper will also work.
Let children choose their paint color (we used blue for the sail, but any bright shade works well).
Use a small paintbrush to coat their hand with a thin, even layer of paint, then press it firmly onto the template with fingers pointing upward from the base of the yacht. Lift the hand slowly to avoid smudges.
Set the page aside to dry completely before kids color in the letter Y and decorate their yacht. Wipes or a damp cloth nearby make cleanup quick and easy.
Tips for Success
- Use tempera paint for bold handprints that dry quickly without smudging.
- Press evenly – help kids press the palm and fingers down gently so the whole handprint transfers clearly.
- Keep wipes nearby – quick cleanup makes the activity less stressful, especially with a group.
- Dry flat – lay the pages on a table or drying rack so the paint doesn’t smear.
- Add details – let kids draw waves, a sun, or flags on their yacht to make it their own.
Books & Songs for the Letter Y
Pairing this craft with a story or song helps reinforce the letter Y in a playful way. After kids finish their handprint yacht, try one of these simple add-ons:
Books to Read Together
- Dr. Seuss’s ABC – This was one of the first ABC books I read with my son, and the silly rhymes always kept him engaged. The Y page is quick, but kids love the playful rhythm as they flip through the letters.
- Yoko – Yoko the kitten is such a gentle and relatable character. It’s an easy way for kids to connect the letter Y to a name and a story, and it usually sparks conversations about kindness and trying new things.
- Y Is for Yet – I really like how this book weaves in growth mindset ideas. When we read it, the message of “not yet” gave my son confidence to keep going when something felt hard. It makes the letter Y stand out in a really encouraging way.
For more ways to reinforce letter Y learning, try our letter Y coloring page or explore more letter Y activities designed especially for preschoolers.
Song to Sing
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat – A perfect match for the yacht theme, this simple tune gets kids moving and connects their craft to boats and water.
Adding a short read-aloud or sing-along makes the activity feel more complete and gives kids multiple ways to practice the letter Y.
WANT ALL OUR ALPHABET PRINTABLES IN ONE PLACE?
Get Your Free Letter Y Handprint Template Here!
If you’d like all the alphabet handprint crafts in one place, you can grab the complete set. There’s also a 52-page bundle available at a discounted price, which includes both the handprint alphabet and our newest alphabet coloring pages.
Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!
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If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free handprint printable.
Last Updated on 21 October 2025 by Clare
