Lovely childcare

[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas [Part 3]

[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas [Part 3]

Last updated:2024/9/24

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

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.

[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas [Part 3] (1–10)

Little Picture Book Author

The period from October 27 to November 9 is designated as Reading Week, right? So I’d like to introduce an idea related to reading called “Little Picture Book Authors.” This is a creative project with lots of freedom.

First, have the children draw whatever they like on construction paper designed to look like a picture-book page.

Then, to make it look as if they’re holding that page, attach a head, hands, and feet made from construction paper—and it’s done.

You can even use a photo for the face parts.

Adding a speech bubble to explain what they drew is a nice touch as well.

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Pumpkin box

[Halloween Origami] Pumpkin Box, Ghost Box

Pumpkin box

A simple and cute pumpkin box craft idea that soothes the heart.

Open an origami sheet after creasing it vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, then fold the corners toward the center.

After making a crease in the middle, fold the paper toward the center and open the top and bottom flaps.

Fold the left and right sides toward the center, crease, then open them again.

Fold the paper so it aligns with the center line to create a three-dimensional effect.

Tuck the bottom section inside the box to finish.

Why not make this with children as a handy item for holding treats or as a Halloween decoration?

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Pumpkin staff

Let’s make a pumpkin wand that also works as a Halloween costume prop! It’s easy to create with everyday materials, so it’s perfect for preschool or kindergarten Halloween crafts, or for making together as a parent-child activity.

First, prepare two pieces of construction paper cut into pumpkin shapes, and decorate them with a face or other motifs.

Next, stack two sheets of origami paper slightly offset, roll them up tightly to make a stick, and attach it to the back of one pumpkin.

Add some curling ribbon (suzuran tape) for extra flair! Finally, attach the second pumpkin on top, and you’re done.

Try making other motifs too—not just pumpkins—and have fun!

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A colorful Halloween created by everyone

This is a Halloween wall display combining handprint ghosts from the 0-year-old class, footprint pumpkins from the 1-year-old class, and mummies from the 2-year-old class.

It brings together the infant classes’ works on a single wall.

Please pre-cut the ghosts, pumpkin vines and leaves, and mummies from construction paper.

For the white mummy strips, cut construction paper into long, thin pieces and have the 2-year-olds stick them on.

For the background, use rollers with the children to paint it purple and black to create atmosphere.

It’s also recommended to add a full moon, a castle, and bats alongside the artworks.

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Bagworm made with a toilet paper roll core

Would you like to make three-dimensional bagworms using toilet paper rolls? First, prepare construction paper in various colors and have the children tear it into pieces.

Once you have enough pieces, glue them onto the toilet paper rolls.

Let some pieces stick out a little to make the bagworms look more authentic.

After the glue dries, draw the eyes and mouth to create your original bagworms.

When displaying them, hang them on a string for a cute exhibit that gently sways.

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Chestnuts made with a toilet paper roll stamp

If you do stamping with a toilet paper roll core, you can create the spiky burr of a chestnut.

First, make evenly spaced, thin cuts about two-thirds of the way down the roll.

Spread the cut sections outward to form a stamp with a built-in handle.

Next, dip it in yellow paint and stamp onto drawing paper.

Layering orange or red looks beautiful, too.

Finally, paste a paper chestnut in the center—and you’re done! It’s recommended to draw a face on the chestnut for an extra cute finish.

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Dreamcatcher

A dreamcatcher that’s perfect for Halloween crafts and decorations.

It’s designed to look like a Halloween-themed spiderweb, giving it a stylish and cute finish! First, cut out the center of a paper plate in a circle and punch holes around the rim.

Next, tie yarn to a toothpick and thread it through the holes you made.

You can also punch holes at the bottom and add Halloween-themed ribbons for decoration.

It’s perfect as a hanging ornament to brighten up your entryway or windows, so give it a try with your kids!

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