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 (91–100) to feel spring events and nature

strawberry

How to fold an origami strawberry! Even 3- and 4-year-olds can easily make a flat strawberry with a single sheet

strawberry

Let’s make it with a single sheet of origami! Here are some strawberry ideas.

All you need is origami paper in red or pink, plus crayons or colored pencils.

Strawberries, a favorite among children, are in season from March to late April in spring.

Many preschools and households probably do food education activities with a strawberry theme, right? Let’s try making a strawberry out of origami—one bite of a real strawberry fills your mouth with juice, and its sweet aroma and flavor are so appealing.

This idea is recommended because the steps are simple.

After you finish, use crayons or colored pencils to color the calyx and the seeds.

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Walk Card

[2-year-olds] Let's take our walk cards and head out!

Walk Card

Spring brings lovely weather and is perfect for going on walks, isn’t it? Try taking a fun stroll around the preschool with a “walk card.” It’s a great idea to draw pictures of spring flowers and insects that bloom or appear around the school on the card.

Before setting out, hand out the cards and check what kinds of plants and insects are drawn—this will make the walk even more enjoyable.

When children find a flower or insect, they can put a sticker on it and talk about what they discovered.

When walking with the card, it’s easy for their gaze to tilt downward, so please be extra careful about cars and other hazards as you enjoy your walk.

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bamboo shoot

[Origami] How to fold a “Bamboo Shoot” <Yoshimoto Comedian>

bamboo shoot

In season in spring! Here’s an idea for making bamboo shoots with origami.

All you need is brown origami paper.

Speaking of bamboo shoots, their defining feature is how quickly they grow.

They’re also rich in dietary fiber and nutrients, and their unique texture and aroma are part of their charm.

Let’s try making this seasonal ingredient with origami.

When using this idea to create a bamboo shoot, the key is to make crisp creases and be mindful of the paper’s width.

The step where you fold in the layered paper requires finger strength, so it’s a good activity to do together with a parent or teacher.

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Apple

[Origami] Easy Apple 🍎 How to Make an Apple #apple #ringo #ringoKanji #apple (English) #सेब #manzana #蘋果 #사과 #Apple #HowToFold #origami #paperfolding #tsuribami #jongijeopgi #craft

Apple

Let’s make round, cute apples! Here are some origami apple ideas.

You’ll need red or yellow-green origami paper, quarter-sized pieces of brown and green origami paper, and craft glue.

It’s perfect for a spring theme and a wonderful hands-on activity to enjoy with children.

By making apples with red or yellow-green paper and using brown and green paper for the leaf and stem, kids can develop color recognition and fine motor skills.

For the more complicated steps, try them together with a parent or teacher to encourage communication.

With spring-like motifs, you’ll have a fun time nurturing creativity!

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Dandelions made with stamps

Get a head start on spring ✨ Creative play with recycled materials 🎨 #shorts #childcare #paints

Dandelions made with stamps

Easy yet so eye-catching! Let’s make dandelion flowers with a stamp! The method is very simple.

Prepare a toilet paper roll and make lots of slits on one end.

Add many fine slits while imagining dandelion petals.

Fold the cut sections outward, and your stamp is ready! Draw the dandelion stems and leaves on a sheet of construction paper as the base, then dip the toilet paper roll stamp in yellow paint and start stamping on top.

The toilet paper roll stamp is large and easy to hold, so even infants can enjoy it.

You can make it using familiar recycled materials, so give it a try!

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