Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Let’s make things with various materials! A collection of recommended craft ideas for April

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.

April is the season for starting nursery and moving up a grade.

It’s an exciting time with new classes, but it can also feel a bit unsettled.

Here are some craft ideas that children can enjoy in April.

We’ve gathered everything from activities they can really focus on to ideas they can make and then play with.

When we draw out children’s sense of fun, crafting becomes an exciting time.

We’re sharing a variety of ideas so you can choose based on children’s interests and curiosities—please find projects you can incorporate.

Because children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “制作” (seisaku: production/work) in the text.

[Childcare] Let's make things with various materials! Recommended craft ideas for April (101–110)

Origami cherry blossom garland

Garland with Cherry Blossoms! Introducing ones made from origami! Perfect for spring decorations! | DIY How to make a paper cherry blossom garland [Tukuru]

Origami cherry blossom garland

Why not decorate your room with a garland of cherry blossoms made from origami? Here’s an idea for a sakura garland created by cutting and linking pieces of origami paper.

Just like when you make an origami star, fold the paper into a pentagon, draw the shape of sakura petals, and cut it out with scissors.

When you unfold it, you’ll have five petals with the same pattern.

Feel free to draw any petal design you like—the surprise when you open it is part of the fun.

To connect them into a garland, make a single cut on one part of each blossom and link them together.

You can connect them horizontally or vertically to create a delightful garland!

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Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

'Craft: Magnifying Glass' — Let’s make our own original magnifying glasses and go explore lots of springtime nature!

Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

Here’s how to make a magnifying glass that’s perfect for spring walks and bug hunting.

Prepare two pieces of thick paper with circular cutouts, construction paper, clear cellophane, tape, and colored pens.

Fold a rectangular piece of construction paper to add strength and shape it into the handle of the magnifying glass.

Attach the handle firmly to the bottom of one of the circular cutouts so it won’t come off.

Place the cellophane over the cutout and stick it down, then trim off any excess with scissors.

Finally, glue the second circular cutout on top, and your magnifying glass is complete.

Use colored pens to decorate it and make your own original magnifying glass!

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A bookmark made with cherry blossom petals

I tried making a bookmark with cherry blossom petals 🌸—super easy with an iron!

A bookmark made with cherry blossom petals

Let’s try making a bookmark using cherry blossoms.

First, freely arrange cherry blossoms on top of a piece of milk carton cut to bookmark size.

Stack a towel, the bookmark, and a pressing cloth in that order, then press firmly with an iron from above to make pressed flowers.

Be careful not to overheat, as the flowers can scorch—check frequently while ironing.

Once the flowers have adhered to the milk carton, apply packing tape over the top, and glue your favorite patterned wrapping paper to the back.

Finally, punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon to finish.

It also looks cute if you use other flowers like white clover or dandelions.

Please handle the iron with great care.

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Cherry blossom petal wreath

Origami [Cherry Blossom Petal Wreath]

Cherry blossom petal wreath

Make it with origami! Here’s an idea for a cherry blossom petal wreath.

All you need are eight quarter-size sheets of origami paper and glue.

The cherry blossom petals made from origami look adorably connected! Using just one shade of pink is nice, but it’s also lovely to mix in petals made from light pink or white origami paper.

Using traditional Japanese-patterned paper can change the vibe even more, so it’s highly recommended.

It’s a perfect idea to decorate your room wall or entryway!

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Milk carton mobile

Fun Mobiles: Let’s Make a Spinning Mobile from a Milk Carton! (Chigasaki Park Experiential Learning Center Umikaze Terrace)

Milk carton mobile

Fun to make, and fun to hang from the ceiling and enjoy! Here are some ideas for making a mobile out of milk cartons.

You’ll need three milk cartons, a 14 cm bamboo skewer or wire, thread, acrylic paint, and craft glue.

In this idea, the collaboration of the moon with a cat and fish makes for an amusing design! You can freely adapt it to suit the design you want to create—whether a cute or cool vibe, animals, or your favorite motifs—so feel free to use this as a reference.

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[Childcare] Let’s make things with various materials! A collection of recommended craft ideas for April (111–120)

Cherry blossom wreath made of paper

How to Make a Mini Cherry Blossom Wreath Out of Paper 🌸 – DIY How to Make Paper Cherry Blossom Wreath

Cherry blossom wreath made of paper

Delicate and beautiful! Let me show you how to make a cherry blossom wreath out of paper.

You’ll need cardboard or thick paper, paper twine, glue, scissors, copy paper or origami paper, a yellow pen, ribbon, craft adhesive, a compass, and a utility knife.

First, cut the cardboard into a circle and remove the center to create the base, then unravel the paper twine and weave it onto the cut-out base.

Next, cut the copy or origami paper, color it, and fold it.

Finally, assemble the parts to make cherry blossoms and attach them to the base—and you’re done!

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Paper and yarn garland

Dandelion flowers and butterflies made with yarn and paper (with audio commentary)

Paper and yarn garland

Decorate with yarn dandelions and bring a touch of spring to your room! Wrap yellow or white yarn around four fingers, slide the bundle off gently, and tie the center with a short piece of yarn.

Snip the loops on both the top and bottom, then trim and fluff it into a round dandelion shape to finish.

Make leaves from construction paper and attach them to the dandelion with glue.

If you insert the leaves slightly into the dandelion as you glue, it will look more realistic.

They’re cute on walls or hallway displays, and also charming when hung as decorations.

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