![[For 4-year-olds] Recommended for August! Craft ideas: Enjoy a variety of motifs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/jkIT-7VDuE0/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 4-year-olds] Recommended for August! Craft ideas: Enjoy a variety of motifs
As August arrives, summer is in full swing, and many teachers may be wondering how best to spend those hot days.
There may be only a limited number of days when you can go outdoors.
At such times, try incorporating craft activities full of summer atmosphere so children can enjoy the season, at least in spirit.
Four-year-olds have blossoming imaginations, so we’ve gathered ideas that let them freely enjoy expressing themselves.
Please use these as a reference.
Because the children’s creations are regarded as works (art pieces), we use the term “seisaku” (制作) in the text to refer to them.
[For 4-year-olds] Recommended for August! Craft ideas: Enjoy a variety of motifs (1–10)
Stained glass-style fireworks
Let’s make stained-glass-style fireworks you can enjoy by holding them up to the summer sun! Because we use colored cellophane, you’ll be able to enjoy how it sparkles and changes as it reflects the sunlight.
Fold black construction paper, sketch your stained-glass design, and cut it out.
The teacher should handle this step, and then have the children stick the finely cut pieces of colored cellophane onto a sheet of baking (parchment) paper.
The look of the stained glass will change depending on the colors of the cellophane! To finish, secure the black construction paper on top, and you’re done.
You can also have fun by changing the way you cut the black construction paper.
Colorful Turtle
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuT8FT5LewD/This is a craft project featuring turtles, a creature popular with children.
When you think of turtles, you probably picture the shell on their backs.
In this project, that shell is expressed in colorful paint.
First, use masking tape on drawing paper to create the shell’s pattern.
Then paint over it with your favorite colors.
Once the paint dries, peel off the masking tape and cut the paper into the shape of a shell.
Finally, attach the head, legs, and tail pieces to complete your colorful turtle.
Since cutting out the small parts can be delicate work, it’s recommended that an adult prepare them in advance.
Watermelon bag
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgY6WQcL_VW/Let’s make a lovely watermelon bag that you’ll want to take on your summer outings! Prepare one paper plate and paint the rim green and the flat middle part red.
Make a cut with a craft knife in the center of the paper plate, leaving the rim intact, and fold it in half.
This slit will be the opening, so be careful not to cut all the way through.
Also, this step should be done by an adult, not a child.
Roll thin strips of black construction paper around a toothpick to make seed shapes, and stick them onto the red part of the paper plate.
Finally, punch holes in both ends of the plate, thread a string through, and you’re done!
Penguins and shaved ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuUCJ2wppmr/How about enjoying a refreshing summer vibe with a sparkling, colorful shaved ice paired with an adorable penguin? Make the shaved ice and the bowl from colored construction paper, and create the syrup by cutting transparent origami paper into small pieces and sticking them on with glue.
For the ice, use a stamp made by attaching cardboard to the tip of an empty plastic bottle.
For the penguin, wrap a cut paper tube with origami paper.
Attach each part—like the eyes and beak—with double-sided tape.
This breezy combo will help you feel cool even indoors!
Braided Fish
https://www.instagram.com/p/CgHNRy4LjJQ/If you’re looking for a hands-on craft, how about making this woven fish? Cut a fish shape out of construction paper and make horizontal slits along the body.
If you’re using a craft knife, be sure an adult handles that part.
Prepare several long, thin strips of construction paper in two colors, and weave them through the slits in a down–up–down pattern.
Once you’ve woven all the strips, snip the ends of the paper into fin shapes with scissors to finish.
The fish’s look will change depending on which two colors you choose, so try making it with your favorite colors!
silky beach
Summer-themed art projects and activities not only let children enjoy the season, they also nurture their imagination! Let’s try expressing a beach atmosphere through art to boost those summer vibes.
Kids can color freely on construction paper shaped like a beach umbrella, or tear tissue paper to resemble beach sand and glue it onto paper.
With their free ideas, what kind of beach will they create? Both children and teachers will be excited to find out.
It would also be lovely to display the children’s drawings or photos under the umbrella!
Watermelon lantern
How about making a lantern inspired by a watermelon? Draw a watermelon pattern on green construction paper, leave a 1 cm margin at the top and bottom, and cut vertical slits 1.5 cm wide.
It’s easier if you fold the paper in half horizontally before cutting.
Stick the green paper onto red paper with seeds drawn on it using double-sided tape, then add a handle, a leaf, and a vine to finish.
The green paper will naturally flare out into a round shape just by attaching it, but if you crease the folds firmly with your fingers, it will look even neater.
Give it a try as a decoration for Tanabata or summer evening festivals!