Lovely childcare

[For Toddlers] A Big Roundup of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Speaking of December, Christmas—the holiday children look forward to every year—finally arrives.

Getting presents is exciting, of course, but the sparkling trees and lights, and the reindeer and Santa Claus that create a thrilling atmosphere are also part of the fun.

So this time, we’ve gathered plenty of craft ideas for preschoolers that make the most of those festive motifs.

If your Christmas craft ideas are starting to feel stale, or you’re looking for something new, please use these as inspiration.

Because the things children make are regarded as works of art, we use the term “制作 (seisaku),” meaning “production/creation,” in the text.

[For Toddlers] A Big Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy at Christmas (101–110)

Pine cone tree

How to make a pinecone tree

Pine cone tree

Here’s an idea for making a small, cute Christmas tree using a pine cone.

Firmly glue the pine cone onto a wooden base, then simply attach colorful beads between the scales of the cone.

In addition to beads, you can add glittery items, sequins, and cotton to resemble snow.

You’ll probably want to top the tree with a star! You could make one from chenille stems (pipe cleaners) or air-dry clay.

You’ll end up with a unique, adorable, palm-sized Christmas tree.

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cardboard tree

[Christmas Craft] A former nursery teacher mom shows how to make a Christmas tree out of cardboard 🎄

cardboard tree

A Christmas tree made from cardboard that sparks kids’ creativity! This craft idea is packed with fun elements children will love—painting, wrapping yarn, and more.

First, cut cardboard to create a Christmas tree template.

Next, let the kids paint it however they like! Once the paint dries, wrap yarn in their favorite colors around the tree.

You can also let them decorate with felt balls, large buttons, sequins, stickers, or any parts they like—so charming! These unique, kid-made trees not only build excitement before Christmas but will also become cherished memories.

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Milk Carton Santa Puzzle

Make it in 30 seconds! How to make origami tongs ♪ You can sort pom-poms by color and play with your fingertips ✨ #shorts #craft #DIY #parenting

Milk Carton Santa Puzzle

Milk carton cube puzzles are toys that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Having them in the classroom expands play possibilities.

Cut the milk cartons so they form cubes, and cut and paste so that all faces can be used.

If the inside is hollow, they’ll get crushed by impact, so it’s best to tightly pack folded milk cartons inside.

After making several cubes, cover them with red or white construction paper, and use the paper to create Santa’s face and body on each face.

Depending on how you combine them, they can form a matching Santa picture or be used like building blocks—the possibilities are endless.

Finish the faces in a way that lets children use their imagination as they play.

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Paper plate wreath

[Nursery & Kindergarten] 5 Paper Plate Christmas Wreath Crafts [From 100-Yen Shops]

Paper plate wreath

Paper-plate wreaths are a fun DIY party decoration, and they’re highly recommended because the materials are easy to gather and the steps are simple.

Just cut out the center of a paper plate to make a ring for the base, then attach construction-paper strips or yarn to create a unique wreath.

You can also trace and cut out children’s handprints and paste them on to make a one-of-a-kind wreath in the whole world.

It will be a memorable keepsake.

If you use scissors or a craft knife for the cutting, please have an adult help.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Nodding Santa Claus

Christmas Craft [Nodding Santa Claus]: How to Make It Using a Paper Cup (For 4-Year-Olds)

Nodding Santa Claus

A craft project themed around Santa Claus—an iconic symbol of Christmas—will likely boost children’s excitement and anticipation all at once.

By attaching facial parts for Santa to a pipe cleaner inserted into a paper cup, you can easily make a bobblehead-style ornament that nods thanks to the springiness of the pipe cleaner.

You can represent Santa’s outfit by covering the paper cup with red origami paper, and kids can freely draw Santa’s face, making the craft both fun and creative.

However, when making the hole in the paper cup to insert the pipe cleaner—using an awl or similar tool—an adult should perform that step.

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Hoshino Takashi

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