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 that feel spring events and nature (121–130)

[Playable] Easter egg toy

[Handmade Toy] A Rabbit Pops Out! Easter Egg [April Craft]

[Playable] Easter egg toy

Here’s a recommended craft idea for Easter.

Using construction paper, let’s make a cute bunny peeking out of an egg.

First, draw the outlines of an egg and a bunny on construction paper and cut them out.

On the egg, draw a crack slightly below the center and cut along it with a craft knife.

Be sure not to cut all the way through—leave both ends uncut so the pieces stay attached.

Draw the bunny’s face and attach it to a wooden skewer or chopstick.

Next, use a craft punch to cut out flower or star shapes and stick them onto the egg to make a pattern.

Drawing designs with markers is fine too.

Finally, slide the bunny between the two flaps of the egg to complete it.

Please have an adult handle any steps that involve scissors or a craft knife.

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Rolling Ladybug

Make a Rolling Ladybug with Marbles! A Nursery Teacher Shows How to Play

Rolling Ladybug

Here’s a craft idea using aluminum foil and a marble: the “Rolling Ladybug.” First, cut a piece of aluminum foil to a suitable size.

Stick a round sticker in the center and draw a ladybug on it.

Place a marble under the aluminum foil where the sticker is and wrap it.

It’s fine if you cover about the top half of the marble.

Finally, cut the aluminum foil into a circle around the sticker, leaving about a 3 cm radius, and you’re done! Place it on a hard floor like wood or tile and try rolling it for fun.

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Torn-paper collage: Cherry tree

Early childhood education at home: a cherry blossom tree with torn-paper origami collage

Torn-paper collage: Cherry tree

Why not enjoy making a cherry tree in full bloom with torn-paper art? First, draw the tree trunk on construction paper with a crayon.

Next, tear pink origami paper into small pieces.

Apply glue to the spots on the paper where you want the cherry blossoms to bloom, then start sticking on the torn pieces.

If you want to layer them, try putting glue on the origami pieces themselves.

It’s a good idea to prepare pinks with different shades and some light orange.

It’s a very simple craft, but the color choices of the origami change the mood of the cherry blossoms and bring out each child’s individuality.

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[Torn Paper Art] Fluttering Butterfly

[Childcare Craft] Spring craft ♪ Cute, playable flapping butterfly | Cute flapping butterfly

[Torn Paper Art] Fluttering Butterfly

Let’s make a cute butterfly using construction paper.

First, fold the paper in half, then add creases about 1 centimeter to the left and right of the main crease.

When you do this, make sure the center crease is a mountain fold.

Return the paper to the folded-in-half position and cut out a butterfly shape.

The part with the mountain fold will be the butterfly’s body, so make two horizontal slits in that area.

Finally, tear some colored origami paper and paste it onto the wings to create patterns, add the antennae, and you’re done.

Prepare several colors of origami paper to make a bright, decorative pattern.

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In conclusion

We introduced craft ideas we’d like to try with three-year-olds in April.

At this age, they’re starting to get familiar with various recycled materials and textures.

We hope they can experience the feeling of spring through these activities.

Above all, isn’t it most important that they have fun while creating? As you make spring-themed crafts, enjoy all the little discoveries together.