[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas [Part 3]
When do you feel that autumn has arrived?
There are so many moments that evoke autumn—like when you see or eat seasonal foods, when you admire the autumn foliage, or when you hear the gentle chirping of insects.
Following the second installment, we’re introducing more autumn craft ideas that engage the five senses.
We’re sharing lots of ideas that make the process itself fun, including crafts you can make and play with, as well as projects using a variety of techniques.
Please use these as inspiration and give them a try!
Note: Since the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” as “production/work” in the text.
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[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas [Part 3] (1–10)
Jack-o’-lantern made with a footprint
In October, many children look forward to Halloween.
So here’s a craft I’d like to introduce: “Jack-o’-lanterns made from footprints.” There are two main steps.
First, prepare white paper and orange paint.
Then apply the paint to the feet and press footprints onto the paper in a row.
This should create a silhouette that looks like a pumpkin.
Finally, add eye and mouth pieces to the pumpkin, and it’s done.
One of the charms of this idea is that when you look back at it later, you can feel how much the child has grown.
Ghost Wreath
This is a ghost wreath that’s perfect for Halloween decorations.
The design, which looks like ghosts spinning around, is unique, isn’t it? The ghost origami is basically simple to make.
If it seems hard for a three-year-old, it’s recommended to add guiding marks as you fold.
Make six of these ghost pieces, connect them with paper clips to form a wreath shape, and you’re done.
You can also draw your favorite faces to create your own original ghosts!
steaming hot roasted sweet potato
As an October-themed craft, how about making a piping-hot roasted sweet potato? Use handprint stamps to depict a campfire, then crumple newspaper to form the potato shape and paint it—combine the two and you’re done! For 3-year-olds, let them try the steps of stamping their handprints and crumpling the newspaper.
If they’re up for it, they can also try painting with tempera or watercolor.
You could even prepare a real sweet potato so the children can observe it while they create.
Seasonal crafts like this will enrich children’s hearts.
[October] Useful for childcare! Autumn craft ideas introduction [Part 3] (11–20)
garland
When it comes to classic ideas for brightening up a room with wall decorations, garlands are a go-to.
Since it’s October, using orange and purple paper to give it a Halloween vibe is perfect! Fold origami paper into isosceles triangles and stick jack-o’-lantern and ghost stickers on the visible side.
Make several of these and string them together with thread—that’s it! Simple is best: a quick and easy autumn origami craft.
Pairing it with other decorations like balloon displays can really elevate the atmosphere, too.
Cosmos with sponge stamps
When it comes to autumn flowers, cosmos come to mind.
How about making vibrant cosmos blossoms with sponge stamping—a craft that even little kids will love? All you need are a paper plate with a cosmos flower shape cut out in the center, white drawing paper for the base, paints, and a sponge.
Simply place the paper plate on the drawing paper and dab the paint-covered sponge over the plate; a beautiful cosmos shape will appear, sure to elicit delighted cheers from the children.
Feel free to let many flowers bloom in all kinds of colors!
Great for small accents too! Four origami ideas perfect for autumn.
We’re introducing four types of autumn origami that even children can try: chestnut, mushroom, maple leaf, and dragonfly—motifs kids have likely seen before.
The chestnut and maple leaf use one sheet of origami paper each, while the mushroom and dragonfly use two sheets.
There may be a few tricky steps for those not used to folding, but teachers and guardians can demonstrate and fold slowly while checking each step.
These origami ideas also seem perfect as a small accent for autumn craft projects.
Making a fallen-leaves cake
How about everyone working together to make a big cake out of fallen leaves? First, have fun collecting leaves and acorns.
The teacher will prepare a cardboard base in advance.
Make stamp daubers by attaching cotton to plastic bottles or disposable chopsticks, and decorate a large white sheet of paper cut to the shape of the cake with colorful patterns.
Then stick the paper onto the cardboard cake and keep pasting on the leaves and acorns.
The sheer size of the cake will have the children buzzing with excitement.
Let them go all out—paste freely and abundantly—and create a delicious-looking cake!