Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Recommended for April activities! A collection of helpful ideas for events and festivities

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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 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!

[Childcare] Recommended for April activities! A collection of helpful ideas for events and festivities (21–30)

Nursery class observation

First nursery/preschool observation

Nursery class observation

A preschool visitation day is a valuable opportunity for parents to see how their child spends time with friends and teachers, and a special day for the children to show their parents, “Look, I’m listening carefully to the teacher!” It’s also a chance for teachers to observe sides of the children that differ from the everyday—some may freeze up from nerves, while others get overexcited and act silly.

You might even discover unexpected aspects of the children who usually spend time together.

It’s ideal to include a well-balanced mix of activities—like songs and simple quizzes—that allows all the children to shine.

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Health checkup

At daycare, something like a routine internal medicine checkup doesn’t scare them anymore.

Health checkup

Health checkups—where someone peers into their mouths or presses a stethoscope to their chests—can seem like a mysterious ritual to children.

Even if you tell them, “The doctor is checking to make sure everyone’s body is healthy,” they may not quite understand at first.

However, as they move into the older preschool years and go through the process a few times, they gradually get used to it.

Offer reassuring words like, “You did a great job staying calm,” or “You chatted with the doctor with a big smile this year, so you’ll be able to play full of energy all year long,” to help ease their fears.

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Mother’s Day craft

[Mother's Day] Singing & Making Gifts!! Mommy ♪ Elephant ♪ 'Straw Necklace' 'Paper Cup Flowers' (Nursery/Preschool, Childcare Worker, Crafts, Children's Songs, Japanese Children’s Song)

Mother’s Day craft

The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day, a time to express our gratitude to moms.

“Thank you for always cooking delicious meals,” “Thank you for taking me to so many fun places”—let’s prepare a surprise gift to share these heartfelt feelings from the children! You could sing songs that include the word “mother,” or make necklaces and flowers out of origami paper or straws—choose the perfect present while watching how the children are doing.

Some parents who receive these gifts may be so moved that they’re brought to tears.

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Parent-child field trip

Spring Parent-Child Field Trip 2018

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.

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birthday party

April Birthday Party 02 Performance

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.

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