This Valentine's Day Countdown activity is the perfect way to get excited for the holiday. Kids can use the FREE printable template below to make a chain link for the days before Valentine's Day. Also find a free printable countdown coloring page for the complete activity!
Valentine's Day Countdown Activity
Make this fun and easy activity with your kids and count down the days until Valentine's Day . I love doing this simple craft for kids and building excitement for each holiday. It makes it just a little more special and they look forward to participating daily. Even as big kids (8 & 10 years old) my boys look forward to these holiday traditions and I do too!
For this activity, start with the template below. You'll also need construction paper or card stock, scissors, and a stapler.
Click the image below for your FREE printable.
For personal use only.
How to Make a Paper Heart Chain Link
Now that you have printed the heart template, cut it out and prepare for the chain link. To keep it Valentine themed, make a heart chain link instead! For this you will cut your construction paper or card stock into 14 strips each about 1 inches wide.
Start with a single strip and fold it in half. Slide your finger firmly on the fold to make a nice edge for the bottom of a heart. Now to make the top of the heart, take the both pieces of the strip and fold into each other. Secure with a stapler and you have a paper heart. Repeat this process for 13 strips making sure to link them.
Final step is adding your chain to the heart template. Do this by using the extra strip you have left. Cut it in half and loop through the final link. Then just staple it to the big heart and you're done! Hang up your Valentine's Day countdown where your kids can easily reach.
Free Printable Valentine's Day Countdown
Want to add another element to this activity? Use this printable countdown sheet! Kids can color take off a heart link every day and then color in the corresponding heart on the printable. Not only are they seeing the chain link get smaller each day but they're also practicing counting. I love using both the chain link and printable together to reinforce number skills. It's especially great for toddlers and preschoolers.
Click the image below for your FREE printable.
For personal use only.
Kids can use crayons, markers, watercolor or color pencils on this sheet. Another idea is to use different materials to fill in the heart daily. For example, add a generous amount of school glue and have kids fill the heart with beads, craft jewels or tiny buttons. Stickers also work great. Have fun with it and explore different ways to count down until the big day.
I hope you love this activity and try it with your kids. If you do, share it on social media and tag me so I can see it! Find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Looking for more Valentine's Day fun? Check out these posts:
Valentine's Day Coloring Pages
Free Printable Valentine Board Game
Easy Valentine Wreath Craft for Kids
XO,
Bessy