Free First Day of Spring Printable for Preschool -Hoppy Spring Activity

Spring may take its time arriving here in Wisconsin, but signs of the season are starting to peek through and that’s worth celebrating with young children. The first day of spring is the perfect opportunity to introduce fresh, playful learning experiences in your classroom or at home.

This free First Day of Spring printable for preschool pairs perfectly with hands-on creativity like handprint flowers and fluffy bunny tails, making it a meaningful and engaging seasonal activity.

Why Celebrate the First Day of Spring in Preschool?

The transition into spring offers a natural opportunity to explore themes of growth, change, and new beginnings. Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, and seasonal shifts help build awareness and connection.

Celebrating the first day of spring in early childhood supports:

• Language development through seasonal vocabulary
• Sensory exploration with new textures and materials
• Creativity through open-ended art
• Emotional connection to nature and change

Simple activities like this printable can turn a regular day into something memorable and meaningful.

Hoppy First Day of Spring Printable Activity

This Hoppy First Day of Spring printable is designed to be flexible and child-centered. It invites creativity while still giving children a recognizable spring theme to work from.

Ways to Use This Spring Printable

• Create handprint flowers on the page
• Add cotton ball or pom pom bunny tail for a fun sensory element
• Use the shape template to have children cut out the flower leaves, stem and the bunny
• Use paint, markers, or crayons to decorate
• Turn it into a keepsake for families
• Pair with a spring-themed story or circle time discussion

Younger children can focus on exploring materials, while older preschoolers can add details, patterns, or even early writing elements.

Hoppy First Day of Spring Handprint Craft Directions

This adorable handprint flower with a bunny tail craft is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the first day of spring with young children. It combines sensory play, creativity, and a sweet seasonal theme.

Materials Needed

• Printed Hoppy First Day of Spring page
• Washable paint (yellow, pink, or any spring color)
• Paintbrush or sponge
• Green construction paper
• Brown construction paper (for bunny)
• Cotton balls or pom poms
• Glue (stick or liquid)
• Scissors
• Paper towel or wipes for cleanup

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Create the Handprint Flower

Paint the child’s hand with washable paint.
Press the hand firmly onto the printable to form the flower petals.
Lift carefully and allow it to dry.

---

2. Add the Flower Stem and Leaves

Cut a strip of green paper for the stem and glue it under the handprint.
Cut out two simple leaf shapes and glue them on each side of the stem.

---

3. Make the Bunny Shape

Cut out a simple bunny shape from brown construction paper (see the template on the printable)
You can either pre-cut these for younger children or let older children try cutting their own.

---

4. Add the Bunny Tail

Glue a cotton ball onto the bunny to create a soft, fluffy tail.
This is a favorite step for children because of the texture!

---

5. Assemble the Craft

Glue the bunny near the flower, as if it’s hopping by to welcome spring.
Let children decide placement. This keeps the activity creative and child-led.

---

6. Let Dry and Display

Allow everything to dry completely.
Display the finished artwork on a bulletin board or send it home as a keepsake.

🌷 Tips for Success

• Use a tray or paper plate for paint to keep things organized
• Have wipes ready for quick cleanup
• Encourage children to describe their flower and bunny
• Talk about how spring brings new growth, just like their flower

This craft is simple, engaging, and perfect for celebrating the season, even if it still feels like winter outside!

Extend the Learning: Spring Activity Ideas

Take this printable a step further by connecting it to other spring learning experiences.

🌱 Nature Exploration

Go outside and look for early signs of spring like buds, puddles, or birds. Talk about what children notice. Take pictures of what you find and make a book.

🐣 Spring-Themed Books

Read stories about bunnies, flowers, and growing things to build background knowledge and vocabulary.

• I Am Spring: A Book About Spring for Kids by Rebecca McDonald 
• Spring!: A My Incredible World Picture Book by Hope Aicher
• Spencer Knows Spring by Tiffany Obeng 

🌈 Sensory Play

Create a spring sensory bin with grass, flowers, or pastel-colored materials.

🖍️ Art Invitations

Set up a spring art table with loose parts like tissue paper, stickers, or natural items.

This spring craft includes multiple printable options, making it easy to adapt for different ages, skill levels, and classroom setups. Whether you want something quick and simple or a more hands-on cutting activity, there’s a version that works for you.

Printable Options Included

These templates give you flexibility depending on your classroom needs:

Download Your Free First Day of Spring Printable

You can download your free Hoppy First Day of Spring printable below and start creating right away.