Bright Sun Craft to Make with Preschoolers
A sun craft is a fun way for kids to welcome spring and summer. This painting activity uses corrugated cardboard and wood sticks to make a bright morning sun that will help you rise-and-shine with a smile!
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Kids can paint on everything from cardboard boxes and foam trays, to aluminum foil and wrapping paper. They don't need expensive brushes, special art paper or a paint easel to enjoy painting activities.
One of the most rewarding results of participating in arts and crafts for parents and teachers is seeing kids get hands-on and creative with everyday materials.
Related: Painting and Drawing on Cardboard
Summer sun craft
This is a simple activity that encourages kids to create with everyday materials. Sometimes the simplest activities have the greatest play and learning opportunities.
Kids exercise fine motor and creative skills as they design their sun. They build language skills as they engage in conversation about the sun, the weather, or other topics they might introduce as they work.
Our instructions for this craft provide options that will allow flexibility for you and your child to complete the bright sun.
Follow our Crafts board on Pinterest for more hands-on activities.
Supplies for sun craft
- cardboard
Instructions for sun craft
1.Cut a 7 inch (18 cm) diameter circle from corrugated cardboard.
2. Paint the circle and craft sticks with yellow paint. I only had yellow finger paint which may not give as bright a coating as other types of kids paint. But it did lead to actually finger painting the sun instead of using a brush!
3. Shake paper confetti or gold glitter over the paint while it is still wet.
We used 10 craft sticks but you can use more or less. If you don't have coffee stir sticks or craft sticks, you can use other recycled options such as broken clothespins or sticks from frozen treats.
Another option is to cut a circle from yellow construction paper and glue it to the cardboard. Spread glue over the paper and sprinkle paper confetti made with gold or silver foil to make the sun sparkle. You can also use glitter glue to produce the sparkly effect.
4. When the paint is dry, turn the sun over and glue the 'rays' of the sun to the cardboard. Allow the glue to set to make sure the sticks stay in place. You can tape the sticks in place to secure if preferred.
5. Poke a hole in the edge and insert a loop made with string or yarn for a hanger.
Would you like to add some twinkling eyes and a grin to this sun?
This bright yellow sun craft engages fine motor skills and counting skills as well as creativity and language skills. This activity can be added to a seasonal or science (planets) theme.
Display your bright glittering sun in the classroom, or hang it so it is visible when your preschooler wakes, in the morning or after a nap. It will be sure to put a smile on your faces!
More sun crafts!
20 Fun and Easy Sun Crafts / Look We're Learning
