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.

[Age 3] Make it in April! A collection of craft ideas that feel like spring events and nature (11–20)

Cherry blossom petals made with coffee filters

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoiku.labo/video/7216264812039343361

Color with water-based markers! Let me show you how to make cherry blossom petals using coffee filters.

You’ll need white coffee filters, water-based markers, scissors, a spray bottle, and old paper like newspaper.

First, color the coffee filter with water-based markers.

You can draw spirals, or straight lines vertically or horizontally.

Using 2–3 colors of water-based markers lets you enjoy how the colors blend and change! Next, spray the coffee filter with water.

Finally, once the coffee filter is dry, cut it into petal shapes and you’re done.

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wiggly inchworm

[Easy Spring Craft Idea] Wiggly Paper Caterpillar 🐛💕 #PreschoolCrafts #NurseryTeacher #TeachingIdeas #FutureNurseryTeachers #TeacherLife #WithKids #ConstructionPaper #PaperCraft #PaperProject

wiggly inchworm

A wiggly caterpillar you can make with construction paper! It’s perfect for spring crafts.

First, stick double-sided tape onto the construction paper and cut it with scissors.

Try to keep the strips as even as possible, cutting up to just before the tape.

After you peel off the tape backing, make loops with the cut strips and attach them.

Put double-sided tape on the caterpillar’s face section as well, and make a loop there in the same way.

Finally, attach the facial features, and you’re done! For the face parts, it’s cute to have the kids draw them themselves, adjusting to their age.

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Cherry-blossom viewing craft

Speaking of spring, it’s the perfect season to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.

Here’s a fun craft for hanami using paper plates and tissues.

Prepare tissues, paint, tissue paper, paper plates, construction paper, and glue.

Stick torn pieces of tissue paper in the center of the paper plate to create volume, then glue tissues around the edges.

Add paint to the tissues to instantly create a cherry-blossom vibe.

Finish by placing a photo of a favorite animal or a child in the center! You can also change the background colors to your liking for a more original look.

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Sticky Felt Balloon

Here’s an idea for making balloons that takes advantage of felt’s soft, fluffy texture.

First, cut light blue construction paper into the shape of a balloon.

Next, cut felt in three colors into triangles and squares.

Finally, use wood glue to attach the felt pieces onto the balloon, and make a handle with yarn to finish.

It’s also cute to display the balloon as if an animal or character is holding it.

Adjust tasks like cutting the paper and using scissors based on the children’s ages and interests.

Not limited to felt, it’s also fun to try attaching various materials like ribbons or beads to the balloon.

Give it a try for inspiration!

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Cherry blossoms made by sputtering

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoikushi_bank/video/6943067583113465089

Let’s paint using the delicate motion of watercolor! Here are some ideas for creating cherry blossoms with the spattering technique.

You’ll need drawing paper, a paper stencil cut into a cherry blossom shape, a blending mesh (screen), a toothbrush, and paint thinned with water.

Spattering is great because you can depict your motif without using pens or crayons.

No two large or small paint splashes are ever the same, so each person’s individuality will shine! Give the spattering technique a try and paint beautiful cherry blossoms.

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Cherry blossoms made with hand painting

@mammybear_
Cherry blossoms bloomed in my room a little early!#Nursery school cherry tree Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #CapCut
♬ Cute and fun marimba pops(1164847) – zomap

Let’s make memories together! Here are some cherry blossom craft ideas using hand painting.

All you need is poster paper, paint, a roller, and scissors.

Spring is the season of hellos and goodbyes—how about making cherry blossoms with your whole class? Paint the cherry tree trunk with a roller, and use the children’s handprints to create the blossoms.

When decorating, it’s also lovely to display the children’s photos next to the cherry blossoms.

It’s an idea that’s exciting just to look at!

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[For 3-year-olds] Let’s make it in April! A collection of craft ideas (21–30) to feel spring events and nature

Three-color dango made with origami

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoikushi_bank/video/6942804580736584962

Speaking of spring, cherry-blossom viewing comes to mind.

Here’s a perfect spring craft: how to make three-color dango with origami.

You’ll need three colors of origami paper for the dango and some bamboo skewers.

First, fold a balloon using the basic balloon base in origami.

Once you’ve made all three colors, simply skewer them one by one to finish.

You can enjoy the origami process itself, and then use what you’ve made for pretend play.

Taking a spring walk with the dango you made together with the kids could be fun, too.

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