[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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[For 4-year-olds] Recommended for August! Craft ideas: enjoy a variety of motifs (41–50)
fish
Let’s try folding an origami fish.
Fish live in the water, so they’re one of those things that make us feel cool and refreshed.
First, fold the paper in half, then fold it in half again, and bring the two corners toward the center.
Now flip it over and again bring the two corners from the other side toward the center.
Next, fold it diagonally, then fold it in half with the white side tucked inside.
After that, just flip it over and draw an eye.
Try making fish in various colors and sizes.
Lining up lots of fish will make it feel even cooler.
Fireworks stamp using a toilet paper roll
Let’s make stamps using toilet paper tubes and use them to paint fireworks.
You’ll need a few toilet paper tubes, black construction paper, paints, and a tray for the paint.
Draw guide lines on the tubes so you don’t cut too far, then use scissors to make fine cuts up to the lines.
After cutting, flare the cut sections outward.
Make several of these; if you vary the fineness and depth of the cuts to create different types, the final result will be more interesting.
Dip the stamps in paint and press them onto the black paper, and you’re done.
Full-bloom Fireworks of Lace Paper
You can use lace paper as a stencil to paint very beautiful fireworks.
First, fold the lace paper and add patterns even to the parts without holes, then cut them out.
The more patterns you add, the more places the paint will stick, making it look more luxurious.
Once you’ve finished cutting, unfold it and lay it flat on black construction paper, then paint over the top.
Peel it off gently, and beautiful fireworks will appear.
Choosing brighter colors will create a more striking contrast with the black paper.
Give it a try!
Making sea creatures
Let’s make some sea creatures that can also be used for summer wall displays.
First, draw sea creatures on white drawing paper.
Make them fairly large; since these lines will be the outlines, you can use crayons that resist paint.
Once the drawing is done, use water-based color pens to draw random patterns on aluminum foil.
Place the foil on top of your sketch paper and rub; the pen colors will transfer onto the drawing, creating beautiful hues.
When it’s finished, cut around the outside of the picture.
The slightly blurred colors make for a very pretty and fun artwork.
Wall decoration with fireworks in relief
You can make a picture that looks like fireworks spreading across the night sky using a paper plate and similar materials.
It’s beautiful, so give it a try! First, paint the surface of a paper plate black.
Once it’s painted, make several cuts toward the center and cut out long, narrow triangles.
After cutting them out, turn the black side to the front and stick on round stickers or similar decorations.
When the round stickers are nicely placed, attach it onto another backing sheet that’s been painted black.
It will look three-dimensional, as if the fireworks are popping out.
It’s great for adding a seasonal touch when you put it on a wall or by the front door.
Fireworks crafting activity
When you think of summer, many people probably think of fireworks.
How about drawing a picture of fireworks? We’re going to try a unique way of using paints.
First, prepare some paints, brushes, black construction paper, and a cup of water.
Using a brush dipped in water, drop paint onto the black paper so it looks like fireworks.
Once you’ve placed a good amount, blow through a straw to spread the paint.
If you blow in different directions, it will look like the fireworks are bursting outward.
The colors blend together beautifully.
Give it a try!
goldfish
Let’s try folding a goldfish with origami.
Origami goldfish look colorful when made in various colors, and they give a very cool, refreshing impression.
As for how to fold this goldfish, the steps are the same as the origami samurai helmet up to a certain point.
Flatten the helmet sideways and fold back the tail section, and a goldfish will appear.
The horn parts of the helmet become the goldfish’s fins.
If you put lots of colorful goldfish in a glass bowl or add paper that resembles aquatic plants, it will look even more refreshing.
Try getting creative and see what you can make.