Get kids excited in winter childcare! A collection of fun game and craft ideas for children

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

As December begins and the Christmas spirit rises in nursery schools and kindergartens, both children and adults want to make the most of this special season.

Here are fun ideas everyone can make and play together with, while cherishing the unique excitement of Christmas.

From crafts and games inspired by Santa Claus and Christmas trees, these activities will spark children’s imaginations! All of the ideas are useful for events and performances, so find your favorite activities and create wonderful winter memories! Since the children’s creations are treated as works, the term “seisaku (制作)” is used in the text.

Excitement in Winter Childcare! A Collection of Game and Craft Ideas Kids Will Love (71–80)

A tree made with nuts and yarn

Let me introduce a tree craft that’s fun to make, using nuts and yarn.

First, prepare a paper plate and use spattering to create falling snow on it.

The way it looks like real snow piling up is sure to lift your spirits.

Next, wrap yarn around the paper plate in circles.

Keep a Christmas tree in mind and form a triangle.

Finally, decorate the yarn area with nuts and other natural items, and you’re done.

Using nuts you’ve collected yourself will make it feel even more special.

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yamamoto

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Yarn-Wrapping Tree

Let me show you how to make a Christmas tree by wrapping yarn! Be sure to try it together with your kids.

First, cut thick paper into a triangle and make small slits around the edges.

Next, wrap the yarn around, hooking it into the slits as you go.

Decorate with beads, then combine the base by wrapping origami paper around a cut toilet paper roll—and you’re done! It stands on its own, so it makes a great room accent and will help bring even more Christmas cheer.

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miyabi

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Santa made with a paper plate

For teachers who want to enjoy the Christmas spirit with their students, we recommend making paper-plate Santas together.

Ordinary paper plates transform into humorous Santas! First, like a torn-paper collage, tear light peach and red origami paper and combine the pieces to create Santa’s face and body.

Then add the facial features, hat, hands, feet, belt, and a cotton beard—and you’re done! The steps are fun, and this activity will make your children’s expressions shine even brighter.

The finished pieces feel warm and are sure to brighten up your Christmas wall display!

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miyabi

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Get kids excited with winter childcare! A collection of fun game and craft ideas (81–90)

Christmas tree made with natural materials

If you’ve picked up pinecones, acorns, or twigs from parks or campgrounds, why not arrange them into a Christmas tree? It’s a Christmas craft idea that will excite the kids! The method is super simple: just decorate a triangle-cut piece of cardboard with natural materials and beads using wood glue.

It can look wonderful not only with natural items but also by adding materials like artificial flowers and nuts from the dollar store.

When handling glue, it’s best to use disposable stirrers or popsicle sticks to keep hands clean.

It’s a great idea that lets kids enjoy their own free creativity!

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miyabi

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Tree made using natural materials

Let’s make a tree using natural materials like acorns and fallen leaves! You can turn collecting the materials into a childcare activity by picking them up during a walk or outdoor play.

Be sure to prevent bugs by thoroughly drying or boiling the collected items.

Once the materials are ready, simply glue them onto a triangular piece of cardboard.

To give it a Christmas feel, it’s a good idea to prepare red berries and star motifs as well.

Let’s watch over the children as they work and see what kinds of creations they come up with.

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tsukada moe

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A tree made by stuffing tissue paper into a bag

This is a Christmas tree craft made by stuffing tissue paper into a bag—perfect for little kids.

The fun part is using their fingers a lot: freely crumpling, tearing, and putting the tissue paper into the bag! After they’ve had plenty of play, crumple the tissue paper, pack it into a plastic bag, then shape it into a triangle while sealing it with tape to transform it into a tree.

To finish, add your favorite stickers and a star! If you want to hang it on the wall, attach a ribbon so it can be hooked.

You could also design it so Santa is peeking out, or even swap Santa’s face with the children’s photos for a charming result.

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miyabi

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Advent calendar made with paper chains

How about making an Advent calendar to count down to Christmas Day? You can spend the days leading up to Christmas with your children, full of excitement and anticipation! Here, we introduce an Advent calendar made with a paper chain.

Making paper chains is also great training to help develop children’s fine motor skills.

Plus, because you cut off each link from the bottom in order to count down, even small children who don’t yet grasp dates can visually understand how many days are left until Christmas.

If you add motifs like Santa, reindeer, or snowmen to the top of the chain, it will really enhance the Christmas atmosphere!

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miyabi

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