[Childcare] For 5-year-olds! Autumn craft ideas
Autumn is full of fun events for children, like Halloween, sports days, and field trips.
In this article, we’ll introduce craft ideas that are perfect for the autumn season.
Since autumn is a comfortable time of year, there are also plenty of chances to go for walks and collect acorns and fallen leaves.
We’ve included ideas that use natural materials like these as well.
You’ll also find ideas for crafts and wall decorations that can be used for events, so be sure to try making a variety of them.
Because the children’s creations are regarded as works (artworks), we refer to them as “sei-saku” (制作) in the text.
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[Childcare] For 5-year-olds! Autumn craft ideas (1–10)
A fingerprint stamp painting of autumn delicacy apples
How about some autumn-themed art using children’s handprints? Let’s make apples by stamping with handprints to celebrate the flavors of fall! First, use a sheet of construction paper as the base, imagining it as a basket.
Paint red on the palm and green on the middle finger, then press to stamp.
Not only red apples—stamping in yellow-green or yellow, and adding leaves or seeds, will look adorable too! You can also add a little green caterpillar with fingertip stamps—there are so many fun possibilities depending on your ideas.
Children will enjoy making this, so give it a try in your childcare setting!
Finger-stamp rice ear and scarecrow painting
In celebration of the autumn of bounty and harvest, let’s enjoy a craft project featuring rice ears and scarecrows! Use crayons to draw rice plants on a backing sheet, then add rice-ear patterns with finger stamps.
With children’s fingertip size, you can capture the delicate details of the rice ears! The trick is to put a small amount of paint on the fingertip and dab lightly.
Next, make the scarecrow’s body and face with origami and paste them onto the backing sheet to finish.
You can also add red dragonflies or a setting sun in the background to enhance the autumn atmosphere.
Let’s make a persimmon with accordion folds
Persimmons are familiar as an autumn delicacy and as fruit that brightens up the garden, right? How about decorating your room with a persimmon motif? Here’s a crafting idea using origami that’s easy even for five-year-olds.
Take two sheets of origami folded in an accordion (fan) style, glue them together, and shape them into a circle.
Make three of these, put double-sided tape in the center, and stack them to secure them together.
Finally, add a calyx and a string to turn it into a hanging ornament! Why not make lots with the kids and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere?
[Childcare] For 5-year-olds! Autumn craft ideas (11–20)
A den-den daiko (hand drum) made with acorns
Autumn is a great season for walks, isn’t it? If you go out for a stroll during a nursery or kindergarten recreation activity and collect fallen leaves and acorns, why not try making a den-den daiko (hand drum)? Using seasonal materials, you can create a unique, artistic instrument! First, use cellophane tape to attach the fallen leaves around the edge of a paper plate, then glue a chopstick to the bottom of the plate.
Next, glue another paper plate on top in the same orientation, and staple acorns tied with twine to two spots on the left and right—done! You can also draw freely on the plates, stamp with the leaves, or roll marbles over them to make patterns.
Painting of a fox and wild grapes
Let’s enjoy creating a painting with an autumn feel, using foxes and wild grapes as motifs! The grapes are made with finger stamping, and the fox is expressed with origami.
While it’s suitable for five-year-olds, why not start each child from the steps they can manage? Using pipe cleaners for the grape vines gives a realistic look, so definitely give it a try.
Through this activity, children can not only experience the season, but also learn about wild grapes in nature, which are a bit different from regular grapes!
Pacific saury made with aluminum foil
Here’s a craft idea for making Pacific saury (sanma) that you can use for wall displays or pretend play! By using aluminum foil, you can create a realistic-looking sanma.
First, shape newspaper or flyers into a long, thin form and wrap it with aluminum foil, forming the tail.
Next, wrap another sheet of aluminum foil around everything except the tail and adjust the shape.
Draw the sanma’s patterns with colored pens and attach an eye to finish! Having a sample, like a photo of a sanma, can help children picture it more easily.
When displaying them on the wall, you could add decorations like a grilling rack or autumn leaves (momiji) for extra flair!
Squirrel made from a toilet paper roll
When it comes to autumn animals that warm our hearts with their adorable looks, squirrels definitely come to mind! Let’s reuse toilet paper rolls to make a cute squirrel.
Use two cut toilet paper rolls and cover them with origami paper to create the squirrel’s face and body.
Next, cut construction paper to make the tail and ears, glue them on, and draw the eyes and nose to finish! The steps are simple, making it a great craft for five-year-olds.
It also makes a charming little ornament, so why not try making it together with the kids?