I’m not even kidding… this sun craft for preschoolers and toddlers is one of those toddler crafts that looks adorable, takes barely any prep, and actually keeps little hands busy for more than two minutes.
And if you have toddlers, you know two peaceful minutes can feel like a mini vacation.
It’s the kind of activity I pull out when the energy in the house starts climbing the walls. You know the vibe.
The toys are suddenly boring.
Someone is rolling on the floor. Snacks have already happened.
I need something simple, fast, and guaranteed to work.
This is that craft.
There’s no complicated supply list.
No last-minute run to the store. No glue gun. No glitter. Nothing that’s going to live in my carpet for the next six months.
Just a yellow paper plate and some pre-cut paper strips.
That’s it.
Yellow plate + paper strips = instant sunshine. And sometimes that’s exactly the energy the house needs.
Why Toddlers Love This Paper Plate Sun
This craft is a toddler favorite because it’s bright, simple, and actually feels like they made something big.
It’s not just scribbling on paper. I
t turns into a full-on sun with rays and a face, and that makes them feel so proud.
Toddlers love projects where they can see progress fast. With this one, every single paper strip they glue down instantly changes how it looks. One strip? Cute. Five strips? It’s starting to look like sunshine. T
en strips? They’re basically an artist.
Gluing the rays is also secretly such good practice for little hands. They get to:
- Pick up each strip
- Add glue
- Flip it over
- Press it down
That’s a whole sequence of small movements that builds coordination without them even realizing they’re practicing anything.
What It Helps With
Hand strength and coordination
Picking up paper strips and pressing them into glue strengthens those tiny hand muscles they’ll use later for writing.
Color recognition
Yellow and orange are bold and easy to spot. It’s a natural way to talk about colors without making it feel like a lesson.
Following simple directions
“Put glue on the end.”
“Press it on the plate.”
“Now grab another one.”
They’re learning to follow steps in a calm, doable way.
Creativity
Some toddlers will space the rays evenly. Some will pile them all on one side. Some will decide the sun needs ten eyes. It’s all good. It’s their version of sunshine.
And when they hold it up and say, “I made this!” — that little confidence boost? That’s the real win.
Step-by-Step: Paper Plate Sun Craft for Toddlers
Step 1: Make the Sun Base
Place the yellow paper plate on the table.
- For a sunrise, cut the plate in half.
- For a full sun, keep it whole.
Set the plate with the flat side down so it doesn’t slide all over.
Step 2: Glue the Rays Around the Edge
Have the toddler glue the paper strips around the outside edge of the plate.
- Add glue to the end of one strip.
- Press it to the back edge of the plate (or along the rim if using a half plate).
- Repeat with alternating colors.
Tip: Let them place the rays wherever. Even if the spacing is random… it still looks like sunshine.
Step 3: Add a Face (Optional, But So Cute)
If adding a face:
Step 4: Let It Dry
Place the sun somewhere safe to dry for 10–15 minutes.
If the rays keep popping off, switch to liquid school glue and press each strip for a few seconds.
Easy Variations to Try
These easy variations are perfect when the toddler finishes one sun and immediately says, “I want to make another one!”
Instead of starting from scratch, a small twist keeps the excitement going without adding extra prep.
It’s a simple way to stretch the activity a little longer while riding that creative momentum.
Make It a Weather Craft
- Add cotton ball clouds on blue paper
- Make a rainbow with paper strips
- Turn it into a full weather board
Turn It Into Wall Decor
- Punch a hole at the top
- Tie yarn through it
- Hang it in a window or playroom
Make It a Sun Matching Game
- Write numbers on the back of each ray
- Have the toddler match numbers or colors as they glue
Little Learning Moment (Without Making It a Whole Thing)
This is one of those sweet spots where learning just naturally sneaks in.
No worksheets. No big explanations. Just little conversations while glue sticks are in hand.
While they’re adding rays, talk about what the sun actually does. Mention how it keeps us warm, gives us light during the day, and helps flowers and trees grow.
It doesn’t have to turn into a science lesson. A simple, “The sun helps our garden grow!” is more than enough.
This is also an easy time to point out colors. Ask, “Is this strip yellow or orange?” or “Can you find another orange one?” It feels like chatting, but they’re building recognition skills without even realizing it.
And counting?
So simple.
Count the rays together as they glue them on. “Let’s see how many your sun has!” Even if they lose track halfway through, that’s fine. It’s practice, not a test.
Keep it light. Keep it playful.
The goal isn’t to teach a full unit on weather — it’s just to sprinkle in a little learning while they’re having fun.
Fun Spring Paper Craft Idea
This paper plate sun is one of those crafts that feels like a tiny parenting victory. It’s simple, cute, and the finished project actually looks like something you’d want to hang up.
For more spring crafts check out this post!
Leave a Reply