Craft activity ideas for 4-year-olds
By the time children are four, their fine motor skills become more refined—they can use scissors and glue more smoothly—and as their language develops, their imaginative world expands, greatly broadening the range of crafts they can do.
Let’s actively incorporate a variety of craft activities using different materials in daily childcare to stimulate their five senses more and more!
This time, we’re introducing craft play ideas recommended for four-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from event-themed crafts like Halloween and Christmas, to toys they can make and play with, to wall decorations that reflect the seasons.
Use these as a reference and, while drawing on the children’s free ideas, try creating wonderful, personality-filled works together.
[4-year-olds] Craft play ideas (1–10)
Kendama
Kendama is said to help develop concentration, a sense of achievement, and even balance.
As an easy first step into kendama, how about a handmade version using paper cups and string? Since it’s made by stacking paper cups, it’s oversized—perfect for 4-year-olds.
Another plus is that you can draw any design you like with markers.
Each child’s uniquely personalized kendama will feel special because they made it themselves, which can encourage them to try again and again and take good care of their toy, creating a positive cycle.
kaleidoscope
A kaleidoscope that constantly changes its patterns with the play of light is a toy that fascinates four-year-olds.
So why not make a simple, easy kaleidoscope using a milk carton and aluminum foil? Sticking the aluminum foil onto the end of the milk carton might be a bit challenging for children, but let them give it a try.
Seeing their own drawings on white paper reflected on the aluminum foil and shining will feel fresh and exciting, and it may spark their interest in color changes and light reflections as well.
A crown made of fallen leaves
For four-year-olds, you want to give them plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
So how about making a cute crown using fallen leaves picked up in the playground or on walks outside the preschool? Beforehand, cut a sheet of copy paper lengthwise into three equal strips and prepare a base by taping two of the strips together.
Using that as the foundation, have the children attach their favorite leaves with tape to create a lovely crown.
To finish, when you roll it into a ring, use a stapler—making sure the tips of the staples face outward.
Easy! Origami Snowman
This is an origami snowman you can make with simple steps.
Choose the color of your origami paper based on the hat you want the snowman to wear.
Once you’ve decided, place the paper with the colored side facing up and fold it in half by bringing the left and right edges together.
Next, fold it again by matching the top and bottom edges.
Then, using the second crease, make a step fold (accordion fold), and fold the two ends of the stepped section inward, opening them into triangles.
This creates a waist, giving you a two-tiered snowman.
Finally, tuck the remaining corners at the top and bottom inward to round the shape, and you’re done.
One corner will become the hat, so fold only one layer inward so that a triangle of the colored side appears on the snowman’s surface.
Heart-shaped woven basket
Let’s make a heart-shaped basket using soft, textured reversible crepe paper.
It’s a fun idea that lets you experience a bit of weaving! First, cut the parts from the reversible crepe paper: two pieces measuring 24 cm × 9 cm for the basket, one piece measuring 24 cm × 2 cm for the handle, and one piece measuring 24 cm × 1 cm for the decorative ribbon.
Fold each 24 cm × 9 cm piece in half so the two sides show different colors, then make cuts from the fold at widths of 3 cm and 1 cm, respectively.
Leave the top 3 cm uncut.
Weave the slits over and under alternately, layering them to create a lattice pattern and form the basket.
Once woven, round off the corners to shape it into a heart, attach the handle and ribbon, and you’re done.
Halloween wand
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cin_L45vdlS/Kids love fluffy things, don’t they? Here’s a Halloween ghost wand that uses soft, fluffy cotton.
You’ll need colored construction paper, cotton, a straw, a plastic bag, tissue paper, ribbon, tape, scissors, and so on.
First, tape the corners of the plastic bag so they’re rounded, then stuff it with cotton and tissue paper.
Insert the straw and wrap tape around the opening to secure it.
After that, shape it, stick on facial features, and add any patterns you like.
All the steps are doable for four-year-olds, so each child can enjoy making theirs freely.
Dragonfly glasses
https://www.instagram.com/p/CheilPWv9Wf/These handmade dragonfly glasses are a toy that lets you enjoy the fun hues seen through colored cellophane.
You’ll need a milk carton, a straw, cellophane sheets, markers, masking tape, glue, and so on.
If cutting the glasses and wings from the milk carton seems tricky, have an adult help with that part.
It’s fun to use different colors of cellophane on the left and right lenses.
Hold the straw section and say “let’s see,” then look around at various things and enjoy a world of colors that’s different from usual!