Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Make it in April! Recommended easy origami folds

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.

In April, when the new school year begins, children at daycare and kindergarten start life in a new environment, and some may feel nervous or even cry.

So this time, we’re sharing origami ideas perfect for April that will bring smiles to their faces.

There are plenty of motifs that capture the warmth of spring—flowers and insects, of course, as well as fruits and animals associated with Easter! Find something you’d love to make with the children and give it a try.

If you display their creations on the wall, you can enjoy spring indoors, too! Surrounded by a springtime atmosphere, we hope you can start a wonderful year with warm, cheerful feelings.

[Childcare] Let’s make it in April! Recommended easy origami folds (71–80)

four-leaf clover

How to fold a four-leaf clover with origami

four-leaf clover

This is an origami four-leaf clover that brings happiness.

Fold the paper into a triangle, then fold it into a triangle again, and open the pocket section into a square.

Open it vertically to form a diamond, shape it like a throwing star, and then continue with small folds to create the clover’s rounded look.

If you fill the classroom wall with this happy motif, a warm, cozy feeling will come naturally! If you prepare several shades of green origami with slightly different tones, the result will look even more vibrant.

You might even hear the kids say, “Let’s go look for four-leaf clovers!”

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rapeseed blossoms

Nanoka Furuyama 'There Are No Spirits' (Live - Full Ver. @ Solo Singer Edition: Music Deepening Theory ~the battle~)

rapeseed blossoms

This is an origami rapeseed flower that brings a cozy feeling with its soft, gentle yellow blossoms.

Fold the paper into a triangle with the yellow side inside, then fold into another triangle and open the pocket into a square.

Fold it in half, cut along a curved line, then fold one corner about 1 cm and start to open it out.

Mountain-fold the square formed in the center, fold it up again, then make a small fold on one side and open it—your three-dimensional rapeseed flower is complete! Why not decorate an entire wall with lots of these origami rapeseed flowers to recreate a spring scene in your classroom?

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simple butterfly

Create a beautifully shaped form! Here are some easy butterfly ideas.

Butterflies are known for their beautiful patterns and vivid colors, and the way they flutter as they fly has a captivating charm, doesn’t it? This time, let’s make a butterfly with a beautiful form using simple steps.

Although the process is straightforward, it’s a three-dimensional project, so children who are used to mostly two-dimensional creations may feel a bit confused.

It’s reassuring if teachers or guardians can help them finish it in 3D together.

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In conclusion

We introduced some recommended origami ideas for April.

There were many themed around springtime nature and insects.

Adjust the folding steps and paper size according to the children’s ages and interests.

It can also be fun to go for a walk with the children before making them, and observe various flowers and insects together first! Be sure to enjoy origami with the children while feeling the spring season.