Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Craft activity ideas

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Around the age of three, children develop a sense of self, their imaginative world expands, their vocabulary increases, and their fine motor skills improve—there are so many signs of growth.

We hope they continue to grow significantly as they receive plenty of stimulation in their daily lives.

In this article, we’ll introduce craft activity ideas recommended for three-year-olds.

We’ve gathered fun ideas that will spark the curiosity of three-year-olds: perfect for wall displays, toys they can make and play with, projects that use unique techniques, and activities that can be used for pretend play!

There are also ideas ideal for practicing with scissors and glue, so choose activities that match the children’s developmental stage and give them a try!

[Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Craft play ideas (21–30)

Kendama

How to Make a Paper Cup Kendama and an Easy Way to Get the Ball In [A Craft Where Kids Can Learn Through Play]

Kendama

Here’s a craft idea for making a cup-and-ball toy (kendama) using paper cups.

Encourage children to explore their curiosity and imagination with this hands-on project! First, decorate two prepared paper cups with stickers, markers, and tape.

Next, attach a string to a crumpled paper ball, stick the string to the bottom of one paper cup, and then glue the two cups together—now it’s complete.

Hold it in one hand like a kendama and swing your arm so the ball lands inside the cup.

It’s a project that’s fun to make and fun to play with.

Why not try making an original kendama in your early childhood/childcare setting?

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Resist painting gloves and hat

Crayon Resist Painting: Winter Craft for Ages 3 and Up

Resist painting gloves and hat

Here’s an introduction to making mittens and hats with a resist painting technique.

Resist painting involves drawing freely on white drawing paper with a white crayon, then painting over it with slightly diluted paint, which makes the drawing appear.

The video shows mittens and hats, but it’s also fun to make any shapes you like! If the crayon pressure is too light or the paint is too thick, the drawing may not show well, so please supervise and guide as needed.

Try this enjoyable craft to spark the lively curiosity of three-year-olds!

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binoculars

Making binoculars · First time using scissors · First time using glue · Walk · What can we see? · Crafting · Handmade toys · Discoveries ❤︎ DIY/kids toy/Binoculars/Scissors/Glue ❤︎ #268

binoculars

Why not try making binoculars out of toilet paper tubes? Since the process uses scissors and glue, it’s perfect for helping three-year-olds practice their crafting skills.

First, cut a rectangular piece of paper to fit around the toilet paper tube.

Next, put some glue on your hands and stick the paper on in order.

Once you’ve wrapped the paper around both tubes, attach them together and add a string—that’s it! Kids can use them while strolling around the kindergarten or nursery yard, or take them along to the park or on a walk.

It’s a great craft idea to get little hands moving.

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Milk carton castanets

[Craft] Easy Castanets [For Parents and Kids]

Milk carton castanets

How about making a milk-carton castanet that actually makes sound? First, open up a milk carton and cut off just one panel.

Then make a crease in the middle, attach plastic bottle caps to the parts that overlap, and you’re done.

Try attaching them while finding the position that produces the best sound.

Once you get a satisfying tone, you’ll want to play with it again and again.

It would also be fun to play together with everyone.

However, since there are many steps that involve using scissors, make sure a teacher or guardian is nearby to supervise.

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Torn-paper collage

Let's play with torn-paper art!

Torn-paper collage

How about trying torn-paper collage (chigiri-e)? First, prepare a sheet of drawing paper with a picture sketched on it.

Then paste torn pieces of colored paper onto it to add color.

You can enjoy the tactile feel of tearing while moving your fingers.

Also, to make chigiri-e even more enjoyable, try choosing pictures related to the season or upcoming events.

When you look back later, it will be easier to notice growth and reminisce about memories.

Since glue will likely get on your hands, don’t forget to have a damp towel ready.

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