[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.
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[Age 4] Recommended for August! Craft ideas: Enjoy a variety of motifs (21–30)
Easy way to fold a crab (origami)

Here’s how to make a crab out of origami.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and let’s get started.
Fold it in half into a square twice, then open the pocket to puff it up and squash-fold it into a triangle.
Make the crab’s legs and claws while aligning them with the center line.
The key is to make sharp creases as you fold.
You can add a face or patterns to the finished crab to create your own original design—it’s highly recommended.
Try making your own crabs and sticking them onto poster paper to create a large wall display!
Cute seashell

Let’s make a summery, seasonal seashell out of origami.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper.
Fold the paper in half, then fold the left and right corners toward the center crease.
Fold toward the center crease again.
Flip it over and further fold the left and right corners toward the center crease.
Open the paper, fold the corners, and shape the whole piece into a seashell.
The overall crease lines represent the lines of the shell, giving it a more three-dimensional look.
The finished seashell is also great to incorporate into crafts that evoke an underwater scene.
Pineapple and popsicle

Here’s how to make pineapples and popsicles to keep you cool in the hot summer.
Prepare pineapple and leaf shapes made from construction paper, cellophane, scissors, and fruit stickers.
First, for the popsicles, cut cellophane and origami paper to get them ready.
Glue the cut cellophane and fruit pieces onto the prepared popsicle base, then cover with clear tape to protect it.
Attach a piece of construction paper cut to look like a popsicle stick, and you’re done.
For the pineapple, glue pieces of yellow and orange origami paper onto the pineapple-shaped construction paper base.
Finally, add the leaves to complete it.
Both projects are fun for kindergarteners, so be sure to give them a try!
Watermelon that fits in your pocket

We’re introducing a cute watermelon origami that’s like a little pocket that can hold anything.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and start by folding it horizontally.
Then open it up and make creases along the center line.
Flip it over and fold the top, bottom, left, and right corners to meet the second crease from the top.
To shape it like a watermelon, fold each section in order while checking where to fold.
While adjusting the shape, create the pocket.
For the inside (the red part of the watermelon), use red origami paper and fold it to fit the pocket.
Layer the two parts together, and it’s complete.
Perfect for summer! How to fold a cicada (origami)

Here’s an origami project idea that’s a bit of a fun challenge for older preschoolers: how to fold a cicada.
It takes concentration to carefully fold the wings and body, but that makes the sense of accomplishment even greater when it’s finished.
Using darker origami paper like brown or black will look realistic, while bright colors create a cute look—your choice of colors brings out individuality.
Adding patterns on the back to make your own unique cicada is also recommended.
If you stick the cicadas on the wall, it will look as if they’re perched on a tree, instantly giving your classroom or room a summery feel.
It’s a perfect summer origami craft that lets kids enjoy the season while developing fine motor skills.
Swirly soft-serve ice cream

You can make a three-dimensional soft-serve ice cream using origami.
First, let’s make the cone.
For the cone, draw a diagonal curved line on the origami paper as if drawing part of a circle, and cut along the line with scissors.
Draw crisscross lines to mimic a waffle cone, roll it into a cone shape, and secure it with clear tape.
For the soft-serve part, fold the origami paper in half twice.
When you have a small square, perform a squash fold to open it up.
Fold the opened piece in half, then twist it sideways as if rolling it.
Open it layer by layer and secure with tape, place it inside the waffle cone, and you’re done.
Easy-to-understand lantern

Let’s fold a paper lantern, the kind you often see at summer festivals.
First, fold the origami paper in half, then fold back about 1 centimeter at the top and bottom.
Next, fold it vertically, and fold both sides inward toward the center crease so they face each other.
Then make a small reverse fold, fold the corners into triangles, and form the colored-edge side into a ring and flatten it.
That’s it—you’re done! It’s fun to add a pattern in the middle, and using multicolored origami will give you a vibrant lantern.
Give it a try!


