Lovely childcare

[For 4-year-olds] A collection of April craft ideas that capture spring, such as Easter and cherry blossoms

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.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

April marks the start of a new chapter with preschool entry and class promotions.

Many children may feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as they face new environments.

So this time, we’ve gathered craft ideas perfect for April that will brighten children’s feelings like the cheerful spring weather.

These ideas are full of spring-themed motifs like tulips, cherry blossoms, butterflies, and ladybugs!

By the time children turn four, they’ve developed basic daily habits and can do more things on their own.

We encourage you to enjoy making crafts by incorporating a variety of materials and trying new techniques.

Since the children’s creations are treated as artworks, we use the term “seisaku” as “creation” throughout the text.

For 4-Year-Olds: April Craft Ideas That Capture Spring—Easter, Cherry Blossoms, and More (41–50)

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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[For 4-Year-Olds] A Collection of April Craft Ideas That Capture Spring—Easter, Cherry Blossoms, and More (51–60)

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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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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dandelion

[Origami Spring Flowers] Easy and Cute Dandelion Folding Method | Origami Dandelion

dandelion

Cute yellow flowers! Here’s an idea for making dandelions with origami.

You’ll need yellow origami paper, green origami paper, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors.

Dandelion flowers are characterized by many small petals radiating outward.

Using this idea, let’s make a dandelion flower from a single sheet of origami paper! Since scissors are used during the process, it’s best to work together with a parent or teacher.

Give it a try!

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Various kinds of rapeseed flowers

Nanohana, with its small yellow blossoms, is adorable.

How about incorporating nanohana into your crafts using a variety of techniques? Make the base flowers with yellow construction paper, and create the tiny blossoms using finger stamps or round stickers, torn-paper collage, or by crumpling and gluing tissue paper—there are many ways to express them.

Crumpled tissue paper also adds a nice three-dimensional effect.

You could try using various warm-colored inks for the stamps as well.

It would make a perfect decoration for a wall display.

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Butterfly made with accordion folding

@pi_chan.sensei__hoiku
Here’s what we’re bringing you this time: “Just fold it accordion-style♪ Butterfly Paper Fan”! A spring craft 🌷 When you think of P-chan, you think of paper fans 🦋💓 This spring version ✨ turned into a lovely butterfly ❤︎#March production 3#March production #April Production Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #Nursery School CraftPaper fan yōcho
Pairing – Masanori Onda

Here’s how to make a butterfly mobile using accordion folds.

Prepare construction paper, glue, and patterned origami paper.

Glue the patterned origami at the center of a circle cut from construction paper.

Make an accordion fold, then fold it in half and glue it so it forms a heart shape.

Make another one the same way, then glue the two hearts together to form a butterfly.

Add antennae to complete your cute butterfly.

It will look lovely and spring-like as a wall decoration or as part of a mobile!

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Papercut of a dandelion

Let’s make it with scissors! Here are some cut-paper dandelion ideas.

You’ll need yellow origami paper, glue or double-sided tape, scissors, and a compass.

Using the yellow origami paper, cut out three sizes of dandelions—large, medium, and small.

Layering the three sizes will give the petals a three-dimensional look and create a gorgeous finish.

If you also cut green origami paper to make the stem and leaves, it ties everything together beautifully.

Give it a try!

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