Lovely childcare

[For Age 3] Let’s make it in April! A collection of craft ideas to feel spring events and nature

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.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

It’s April, and the children have moved up to the class for three-year-olds.

The preschool class brings a different kind of excitement than before.

At this age, they’re also getting used to handling scissors and glue during craft activities.

Here are some April craft ideas that three-year-olds can tackle with a sense of accomplishment.

There are plenty of familiar motifs for children, such as spring flowers and animals.

It’s also great to observe spring flowers and creatures outdoors alongside the craft activities.

Because the children’s creations are regarded as works, the term “seisaku” (制作) is used in the text to refer to them.

[For 3-year-olds] Let’s make it in April! A collection of craft ideas (81–90) to feel spring events and nature

Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

'Craft: Magnifying Glass' — Let’s make our own original magnifying glasses and go explore lots of springtime nature!

Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

Here’s how to make a magnifying glass that’s perfect for spring walks and bug hunting.

Prepare two pieces of thick paper with circular cutouts, construction paper, clear cellophane, tape, and colored pens.

Fold a rectangular piece of construction paper to make it sturdy, and use it to create the handle of the magnifying glass.

Firmly attach the handle under one of the circular cutouts so it won’t come off.

Stick the cellophane over the cutout, and trim any excess with scissors.

Finally, glue the second circular cutout on top to finish the magnifying glass.

Use colored pens to decorate it and make your own original magnifying glass!

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Balloon and animal mobile

Balloons and animals too! Easy mobiles made with paper and scissors. DIY Paper Mobiles — balloons & animals

Balloon and animal mobile

Here’s a very cute paper mobile you can make and hang from the ceiling.

This idea lets you craft your favorite shapes out of paper—try spring-inspired motifs like flowers or hot-air balloons.

When you display it, using a tree branch can add a warm, natural feel.

You can also make a base by forming a ring from a vinyl hose sold at home improvement stores and hang the pieces from the ring—it looks adorable too.

It’s also lovely to have young children make spring motifs and decorate freely.

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Milk carton mobile

Fun Mobiles: Let’s Make a Spinning Mobile from a Milk Carton! (Chigasaki Park Experiential Learning Center Umikaze Terrace)

Milk carton mobile

Fun to make, and fun to hang from the ceiling and enjoy! Here are some ideas for making a mobile out of milk cartons.

You’ll need three milk cartons, a 14 cm bamboo skewer or wire, thread, acrylic paint, and craft glue.

In this idea, the collaboration of the moon with a cat and fish makes for an amusing design! You can freely adapt it to suit the design you want to create—whether a cute or cool vibe, animals, or your favorite motifs—so feel free to use this as a reference.

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Strawberry cake made with paper cups

[Kindergarten/Preschool] Spring Craft / Easy / How to Make a Strawberry Cake ♡

Strawberry cake made with paper cups

The strawberries look so realistic and delicious! Let me show you how to make a strawberry cake using paper cups.

Prepare paper cups, paint, tissue paper (flower paper), crayons, red and green construction paper, and glue.

Use the paper cup as the cake base and paint it.

While the paint is drying, make the strawberries with the construction paper.

When drawing the center of the strawberry with crayons, I recommend coloring it pink first and then adding white crayon on top to create a three-dimensional look.

After gluing the tissue paper (to look like whipped cream) onto the paper cup, stick the strawberries on top to finish.

It’s also fun to try different colors of tissue paper and paint.

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Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

[Spring Craft] How to Make Strawberries with Cotton Swab Stamps! [Ages 2 and up] (ASMR-style video)

Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

For a spring craft, let’s make bright red, delicious-looking strawberries.

Prepare construction paper, paint, cotton swabs, scissors, and glue.

Cut the construction paper into strawberry shapes, then dip a cotton swab in paint and stamp on the seeds.

If you use a slightly larger amount of paint and thin it well with water first, the seed color will transfer more easily.

Once you glue the calyx to the top of the strawberry, it’s complete.

Cutting origami to decorate around the strawberry or adding washi tape will make it look even more spring-like and festive.

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Artworks created using natural materials

Middle Nursery Class April Activities: “Spring Nature Items” (with subtitles)

Artworks created using natural materials

April has just the right climate and is the perfect season for walks and playing in the playground.

Here’s an activity for creating artworks using natural materials like leaves and branches found outdoors.

Prepare a container to collect fallen leaves and other items.

If children decorate their own container with stickers or markers, they’ll feel more attached to it and enjoy the activity even more.

Use cotton swabs to apply glue to the collected leaves and flowers, then stick them onto construction paper.

When placing the items, it’s important to value the child’s sensibilities and let them lead the process.

Once finished, display the pieces and enjoy the artwork!

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[For 3-year-olds] Let's make it in April! A collection of craft ideas (91–100) to feel spring events and nature

[Stamping] Cherry Tree

[Spring Craft Activity] [March] [Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers] Tear and roll flower paper, then stick it on with glue! Great for developing fine motor skills! Create a three-dimensional spring scene! [For ages 3–5]

[Stamping] Cherry Tree

Let me share a craft idea for making a cherry blossom tree with stamping.

First, cover the mouth of a small plastic bottle with bubble wrap and secure it with a rubber band to create a stamp.

Next, draw the trunk of the cherry tree on construction paper, then add paint to the stamp you made and gently dab to create the cherry blossoms.

If you have a stamp pad, it’s convenient and makes it easier for kids to apply color.

You can also prepare a few stamps with different textures, like sponges.

Try expressing a cherry tree in full bloom together with the children.

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