Looking for a fun way to build excitement for summer break? This Hello Summer countdown craft is such a simple (and adorable!) way for kids to count down the days until summer.

With a bright sun, a colorful paper chain, and a printable, this is the kind of hands-on activity kids will LOVE watching change each day.

👉 If you love easy seasonal crafts like this, you might also enjoy our
Water Cycle Paper Plate Craft this Pasta Butterfly Printable and Craft, and this Jack and the Beanstalk Plant Growing Activity — both simple, fun, and perfect for this time of year!

☀️ Why You’ll Love This Craft

Easy setup with basic supplies
Great visual countdown for kids
Combines crafting + learning (counting days!)
Perfect for classrooms or at home
Bright, cheerful, and super customizable

🎨 Supplies Needed

Paper plate
Yellow paint (optional if not pre-colored)
Construction paper (yellow + rainbow colors)
Scissors
Glue
Stapler or tape
Printable “Hello Summer” sun circle
Marker (optional for decorating)

🖨️ Get the Printable

You can grab the Hello Summer printable here:
👉 Hello Summer Sunshine Face Print a ble

🖨️ How to Make a Hello Summer Countdown Craft

Start with your sun base
Paint a paper plate yellow (or use a yellow plate) and let it dry.
Add the printable center
Print and cut out the “Hello Summer” circle and glue it to the center of the plate.
Create sun rays
Cut strips or triangles from yellow paper and glue them around the back edge of the plate to make sun rays.
Make the countdown chain
Cut strips of colored paper and loop them into a paper chain, securing with glue, tape, or staples.
Count your days
Add one chain link for each day left until summer.
Attach the chain
Staple or glue the chain to the bottom of the sun.
Start the countdown!
Remove one chain link each day as summer gets closer ☀️

🌈 Tips & Variations

Let kids decorate each chain link with stickers or drawings
Write dates or countdown numbers on each link
Use different colors to create a rainbow effect
Add glitter or texture to the sun rays for extra fun
Hang it on a wall, door, or bulletin board

🏫 Perfect For

Classroom countdowns
End-of-year activities
Summer break excitement at home
Preschool and early elementary crafts

❓ FAQ

How many chain links should I make?
Count the days until summer break and create one link per day.

Can I skip painting the plate?
Yes! You can use a yellow plate or glue yellow paper over it.

How do I attach the chain?
Staples work best, but glue or tape will also hold it in place.

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