Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Shine in the sports day dance! A roundup of handmade props

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.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

At kindergarten and elementary school sports days, the children put on adorable dances, don’t they?Props like pom-poms are essential for their performances.And if you’re going to use props anyway, many of you are probably looking for ones the kids can make together by hand.In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of props all at once—besides pom-poms, things like fans and maracas.Many of them are easy to make, so be sure to create props full of originality.

Shine at the sports day dance! Handmade prop roundup (11–20)

sailor collar

[Make it in any size!] How to make a sailor detachable collar | I wore it to the Laguna × Demon Slayer event | How to make a sailor collar | Demon Slayer

sailor collar

Teachers planning dances for kindergarten or elementary school sports days may also be wondering about costumes.

Here’s a “sailor collar” you can add to everyday T-shirts to turn them into stylish outfits! All you need is fabric for the collar and for the ribbon.

Since you’re not making an entire garment, it’s easy to try.

You can make the pattern with copy paper, and it’s simple to sew by hand, so even those who aren’t comfortable with a sewing machine will be fine.

You can stitch the sailor-collar stripes with a machine or attach them with fabric glue.

It looks absolutely adorable on little children, so please give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

lease

[100-Yen DIY] How to make a wreath. How to make a silk flower wreath.

lease

For those looking for a cute prop, I recommend a wreath.

By wreath, I mean the one you often see at Christmas.

You might think making one is difficult, but it’s surprisingly easy.

First, buy a few artificial flowers and some decorative stickers at a 100-yen shop.

Then make the wreath base out of thick paper and stick the stickers on one side.

On the other side, insert pieces of the cut artificial flowers.

And just like that, it’s done.

If you add glue to the holes where you inserted the flowers, it will be more durable.

It’s also a good idea to run a stick through the center of the wreath to make a handle.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Loop scarf

[Kazuto Ozawa Scarf Dance] The wind is calling

Loop scarf

When it comes to props with a striking fluttering motion, looped scarves come to mind.

They’re made of light, airy material, and just moving your hands can create a unique effect.

By adding a loop you can slip your fingers through on a regular scarf, you can use it safely even in dance scenes.

Prepare scarves in colors that match the mood of the songs or dances to liven up the children’s sports day! They’re easy to make, so try creating them while discussing ideas with the kids.

Let’s add color to the dance with a prop that gives a beautiful, refreshing impression!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

flag

How to make a flag

When it comes to props that add a splash of color to the cute dances performed by children at sports festivals, flags are a classic choice.

They’re easy to make with free apps, so crafting them together with your child is a big plus.

Just pick your favorite photos or illustrations, arrange them, and print them out.

Decorate paper straws or wooden chopsticks with white masking tape, then fold and attach the printed paper—done! They’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for dance scenes.

How about creating some unique props to liven up the kids’ performances?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

windmill

Cute and twirly! How to make a figure-eight windmill

windmill

If you want to use a slightly unusual prop, a pinwheel is recommended.

First, prepare some cardstock and make the blades of the pinwheel.

Once the blades are finished, staple them together and make a hole in the center.

Next, straighten a wire hanger to make the shaft and thread it through the hole.

After that, just make sure the blades won’t slip off, and you’re done.

Using a clear file instead of cardstock gives it a nicer look.

Since you’ll need tools like nippers to make it, be sure to have an adult supervise.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

maracas

[Handmade Instruments] Make Maracas with Things at Home: A Fun Activity to Do with Your Kids

maracas

How about making cute, clear maracas as props for your sports day using simple items you already have at home? You can craft them with your child, making great memories together! Use a capsule toy container for the top of the maracas and a toilet paper roll for the handle.

Fill the maracas with your choice of beads or buttons—cute-looking materials will delight your child.

You can also decorate the handle with patterned tape or favorite stickers! Let’s decorate them cutely and make a one-of-a-kind maraca!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Active in the sports day dance! A roundup of handmade props (21–30)

tambourine

[Upcycled Craft] Easy! Make a Tambourine with Plastic Bottle Caps (Playable Craft & Handmade Toy) [Paper Plate & Bottle Caps] Musical Instrument Craft

tambourine

Do you know the comedian Gonzo? He’s a super performer who plays the tambourine with lively flair while wearing a tight leotard.

Beyond comedy, he has appeared in numerous stage productions and even on overseas shows.

He’s the hottest tambourine player right now.

A fun, jangly tambourine is also one of the items that can liven up cheering at a school sports day.

And a handmade tambourine is surprisingly easy to make.

First, fold a paper plate in half.

Put a small amount of rice inside a plastic bottle cap and seal it with another cap—this becomes the sound-making part.

Attach those to the paper plate and you’re done.

It makes quite a loud sound, so it really heats up the cheering!

Raise the rankinglower

Taki no namida pin ku

Report a problem