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.
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- [Childcare] Let’s make things with various materials! A collection of recommended craft ideas for April
- [Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts you can play with after making them
- [For 4-Year-Olds] Fun to Make! A Collection of Halloween Craft Ideas
- Exciting September crafts for 4-year-olds! A special collection of fun ideas with autumn-themed motifs
- Fun crafts using straws
- [For 4-year-olds] Winter craft ideas to enjoy at daycare and kindergarten
- Let's make toys with paper cups! Simple and fun handmade toys
- [For toddlers] Simple but amazing craft ideas — including toys they can play with
- Simple Origami Ideas to Enjoy in Autumn (For 4-Year-Olds)
[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.
kite
This is a small, quick-to-make kite you can play with indoors.
Fold an A4 sheet of copy paper and transfer the designed template onto plastic, then cut it out.
For the kite’s frame, simply use straws or toothpicks.
An adult should help with any parts that require making holes with an awl.
Encourage children to draw bold, free designs on the plastic.
Because it’s a kite they made themselves, kids will be thrilled even if it flies just a little.
Have fun running around with it not only indoors, but also in the playground or outside the school.
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.
Halloween wand
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
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!
windmill
Pinwheels that spin round and round in the wind are perfect for 4-year-olds who love moving toys.
You can also expand their interests by chatting as you play: “Have you seen something like this somewhere?” “It looks like a fan.” “What makes it move?” It’s great practice for using scissors and glue, too—cutting round blades from construction paper, sticking them on with glue, and snipping the straw.
Take them along on walks outside the preschool or hold them while running races—there are lots of ways to play and make new variations!