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 to Experience Spring Events and Nature (111–120)

Three-dimensional dandelion

Introducing how to make 3D dandelion flowers using origami! Perfect as spring decorations for March and April—why not make some and hang them on your wall? [Tsukuru-mon]

Three-dimensional dandelion

It looks just like the real thing! Here’s an idea for making a 3D dandelion.

You’ll need yellow origami paper, yellow-green origami paper, green origami paper, pink origami paper, scissors, and craft glue.

First, connect strips of yellow origami paper that you’ve cut into long, narrow pieces.

Make 1 mm-wide fringe cuts, then roll it up while applying craft glue; once it’s rolled, the dandelion flower is complete.

After making the stem and leaves with green origami paper, create a frame with the pink origami paper.

If you add some curves and motion to the stem and leaves, it will look even more like a real dandelion.

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Garland made with paper strips

Cute cherry blossom decorations made with paper strips (with voice commentary) — How to make cute cherry blossom flower decorations using paper and staples

Garland made with paper strips

Here’s a charming cherry blossom decoration made from paper strips.

You’ll need pink construction paper, a stapler, scissors, a pencil, a ruler, and thread.

Prepare one strip measuring 2 cm by 30 cm and another strip measuring 2 cm by 20 cm from the pink paper.

Fold the 20 cm strip in half, then fold each half again to form an M shape.

Fold the 30 cm strip in half as well, mark 5 cm from the loose/fluttering end, fold at the mark, then continue folding it into an accordion with 5 cm-wide sections.

Slightly fold the mountain-fold edges to shape them like cherry blossom petals, staple the ends together, and finally turn the loop inside out to finish.

Make lots of them and thread them onto a string to decorate!

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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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Wavy 3D butterfly with fluttering wings

[Craft / Making] “Wings-Wobbling 3D Butterfly” Wall Decoration Craft – Preschool/Childcare Craft, Elderly Care Recreation

Wavy 3D butterfly with fluttering wings

The wings sway gently and look so cute! Here’s how to make a 3D butterfly that’s perfect for spring.

First, dip a plastic bottle cap in paint and stamp it onto thin strips of colored construction paper.

You can use both sides of the cap for different effects.

Next, cut out the butterfly’s wings—which will also form its body—using scissors.

Stamp the wings as well, then fold them down the middle.

After that, bring the ends of the first stamped thin strip together to create a 3D wing shape.

Make two of these and attach them to the body wings with double-sided tape.

Finish by adding antennae with a pipe cleaner, and you’re done! These are great for wall decorations too, so try making them with the kids.

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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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[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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