[Childcare] Recommended for April activities! A collection of helpful ideas for events and festivities
April marks the start of the new school year!
Preschools and kindergartens are full of exciting events.
There are opportunities to meet new friends, as well as entrance ceremonies and nature walks to help children get used to school life.
It’s cherry blossom season, so going on a “hanami” walk to observe spring nature is also lots of fun.
As Golden Week approaches, try incorporating carp streamers and spring crafts to spark the children’s creativity.
Enjoy those moments when the children’s hearts come together through fun activities!
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[Childcare] Recommended for April activities! A collection of helpful ideas for events and festivities (21–30)
Parent-child field trip
A parent–child field trip, where children go out together with their guardians and many friends, is a special event for kids.
The excitement peaks as they relish having the guardians—who usually say goodbye at the bus stop or in front of the school gate—by their side all day long! Holding hands to explore parks and zoos, eating packed lunches outdoors, and joining games together create memories that will be deeply etched in the minds of both guardians and children.
For teachers, it’s also a valuable opportunity to glimpse expressions and sides of the children that they don’t usually see at school.
birthday party
At kindergartens and daycare centers, birthday parties are held every month.
The children whose birthdays fall in that month—who get to be the stars—must feel excited and nervous! It’s also a once-a-year anniversary event where everyone celebrates them.
At birthday parties, kids do fingerplay activities, sing songs, and enjoy performances like skits or picture-story shows put on by the teachers.
Since it’s April, it would be nice to celebrate with spring-themed songs and performances! Try incorporating spring motifs into activities like paper puppet shows (peep-show style) and apron theater, too.
[Childcare] Recommended for April Activities! A Handy Collection of Event and Celebration Ideas (31–40)
body measurement
At this time of year, with a new season and school year beginning, many places conduct physical measurements, don’t they? Some may do them monthly as a regular event, but the measurements in April are an important event that sets the standard for the year.
We record height, weight, chest circumference, head circumference, and so on, but some children may dislike taking off their clothes or become fussy.
To keep things moving as smoothly as possible, try to reassure them by conveying that it isn’t scary and will be over quickly.
Cherry blossom viewing
When we talk about spring events, cherry-blossom viewing—hanami—is the quintessential example.
For adults, hanami often means gathering under cherry trees, but it doesn’t have to be limited to cherry blossoms.
Observing colorful tulips blooming in flower beds or dandelions along the roadside is also a wonderful form of hanami.
It’s fun to notice discoveries like, “It was just a bud the other day!” or “I didn’t know the flowers would be this color!” If there are flowers in your playground or garden, that’s great; you can also take a hanami stroll to a nearby park.
Promotion ceremony
Alongside the entrance ceremony, one of spring’s big events is the promotion ceremony.
It’s a day to celebrate moving up to a new grade and class, and the different atmosphere makes hearts flutter with a mix of nerves and excitement.
It’s an occasion to celebrate the joy of advancing and the fresh start in a new class, and many children will likely wear solemn expressions during the teachers’ greetings.
To ease that tension, it might be nice for the teachers to put on a performance—like a play or songs.
It’s a day filled with hopes that the children make many new friends and that their days are full of fun.
Evacuation drill
Evacuation drills to prepare for sudden disasters are important events for protecting the lives of our precious children.
In a fire, children should keep a low stance, cover their mouths with a handkerchief, and follow the teacher; in an earthquake, they should hide under a desk or cover their heads with a cushion, and so on.
It’s important not only during drills but also in everyday life to teach children these things so they can stay calm and respond appropriately whenever an emergency occurs.
While firmly supporting children who may freeze with fear or start to cry, it’s best to help them understand the importance of these drills.
In conclusion
April marks a fresh start for children in a new environment.
Through spring events like entrance ceremonies, cherry-blossom viewing, and advancement ceremonies, their hearts begin to blossom as well.
Amid a mix of nerves and excitement, childcare providers should gently support each child and foster a warm atmosphere.
May the arrival of smile-filled spring bring many wonderful memories.