Get kids excited in winter childcare! A collection of fun game and craft ideas for children
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.
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Get Everyone Excited for Winter Childcare! A Collection of Game and Craft Ideas Kids Will Love (101–110)
Santa fell down
Let’s all try playing “Santa Says Freeze,” a fun game to enjoy with children.
It’s the Santa version of “Daruma-san ga koronda” (Red Light, Green Light).
To make it feel like a special event, you could prepare small gifts to hand out after the game.
It’s also fun for the teacher and children to create Christmas-themed costumes together and dress up before playing.
In this game, freezing perfectly still when the leader turns around is surprisingly tricky.
It would be great if everyone can laugh and get excited, saying, “I moved!” while playing.
balanced tree
In the Balance Tree game, children develop the ability to think and play while watching their friends.
The game can be handmade, so why not make it as we head into December? All you need are a paper plate, a toilet paper roll, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and plastic bottle caps.
Punch holes around the edge of the paper plate.
Cut the pipe cleaners short and tape the ends so they don’t poke anyone.
Attach two bottle caps together and fasten them to the pipe cleaners.
When playing, stack the paper plates and toilet paper rolls alternately, and hang the pipe cleaners from the holes.
Be careful not to upset the balance and make it topple.
It’s a fun, focused way to play!
Handprint Christmas tree
A Christmas tree made from children’s handprints is a great craft idea that also serves as a record of their growth! All you need is paint and paper.
Spreading newspaper will solve the mess problem, and kids can enjoy the activity, too.
Stamp their handprints on paper, cut around them, then decorate with other parts to finish.
The completed tree works well as a wall decoration or something to take home—both are great! It’s sure to boost the Christmas spirit, so give it a try.
In conclusion
We introduced ideas for winter play, games, and crafts.
We gathered activities that build children’s excitement for winter events at preschools and kindergartens.
Through craft activities that foster creativity and games that let them enjoy cooperating with friends, they’re sure to have memorable times.
As you incorporate these into December childcare, be sure to cherish the warm, uniquely winter atmosphere.