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 (21–30) to feel spring events and nature

Easy flat tulip

[Origami] Easy Tulip Folding Method | Flat design with leaves that even a 3-year-old can fold

Easy flat tulip

Let’s make a flat tulip.

We’ll make the flower on the first sheet, and the stem and leaves on the second.

First, for the flower: fold the origami paper into a triangle twice, then unfold it once.

Fold the left and right corners up diagonally to form the petals.

Tuck the left, right, and bottom corners slightly to the back, and the flower is done.

For the leaves and stem, follow the same steps up to unfolding after the first triangle.

This time, fold the left and right edges down to meet the center crease.

Fold the bottom corner up to meet the top corner, then pull the two small front triangles on the left and right outward—these will be the leaves, so adjust the angle to your liking.

Attach the flower and stem/leaves together, and you’re finished.

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Perfect for decoration! Tulips

[Origami] Spring Tulip (Second Version) made together with a 3-year-old child

Perfect for decoration! Tulips

Here’s an idea for making a tulip using two sheets of origami paper.

You’ll make the flower and the stem/leaves separately, and each part takes only five folds.

For the flower: fold the paper into a triangle twice, then unfold one fold.

With the image of crossing the left and right corners along the center line, fold them up and overlap.

Tuck the bottom corner slightly to the back to finish the flower.

For the stem and leaves: take the other sheet, fold it into a triangle once and open it.

Fold the two left edges along the crease you just made.

Fold the paper in half along the first crease, turn the narrow pointed end upward, and fold up the bottom part to complete the stem and leaves.

Glue them together and use as wall decorations, etc.

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[For 3-year-olds] Let’s make it in April! A collection of craft ideas (31–40) to feel spring events and nature

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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Sakura mobile made of origami

Hanging Sakura Decorations 🌸 Easy to make with origami ✨ Paper Craft DIY Cherry Blossoms

Sakura mobile made of origami

Here’s an introduction to making a hanging cherry blossom ornament with origami.

You fold it the same way as when making an origami star to create a five-petaled cherry blossom.

Make four blossoms with the same pattern, stack them, and glue them together at the center.

When you gently open it up, the cherry blossom becomes three-dimensional and looks adorable from every angle! The key is to make four identical pieces, so when you cut patterns into the petals, create a template and use it to make four matching petals.

Decorating with clear fishing line or spring-colored yarn will brighten up your room.

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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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Three-dimensional strawberry decoration

[Origami Craft] Spring Project: 3D Strawberry Decoration – Easy Craft, Wall Decor (For Childcare Workers and Caregivers) | Origami strawberry cute easy

Three-dimensional strawberry decoration

Let’s make it with origami! Here are some ideas for a three-dimensional strawberry decoration.

You’ll need origami paper, crayons, scissors, and glue.

Let’s easily create the strawberry’s plump, distinctive shape with origami.

Since you’ll use origami paper cut in half, the preparation is simple—that’s part of the appeal.

When cutting green origami paper to make the calyx (leafy top), children’s individuality is sure to shine.

Because scissors are used, be sure to work in an environment where parents or teachers can watch over the activity safely.

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[Stamping] Caterpillar Craft

How to Make a Very Hungry Caterpillar Wall Display: A Nursery Craft Using Stamps (Recommended Age: 2–3 Years)

[Stamping] Caterpillar Craft

Here’s a craft idea for making a caterpillar using a tampo.

A tampo is a tool made by wrapping cotton or fabric scraps in gauze.

You can buy them, but they’re easy to make, so if you need several, it’s better to hand-make them.

In this idea, you use a tampo dipped in paint like a stamp to create a caterpillar on drawing paper.

However, pressing the paint on once will only make a small circle, so move it in a circular motion or dab multiple times to form larger shapes.

Once you’ve made the face and body with the tampo, finish by drawing the eyes, nose, and antennae.

Inspired by the picture book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” adding apples or butterflies in the empty spaces would be adorable too.

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