Lovely childcare

[For 3-year-olds] A collection of recommended craft ideas to make in February

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.

Many teachers may be wondering what to make for February crafts in early childhood care.

In this article, we’ll introduce February craft ideas perfect for three-year-olds.

From winter-themed creations like snowflakes and snow globes to Valentine’s heart motifs, there are plenty of seasonally inspired ideas.

Children can enjoy fine-motor activities like wrapping yarn and sticking cotton, too.

子どもたちの「やった！」という誇らしげな笑顔を思い浮かべながら計画しましょう—以下のアイデアを参考にしてください！注：本稿では子どもたちの作品を芸術作品として扱うため、「制作」は本文中を通して“artwork/creation”として表記します。

[For 3-Year-Olds] A Collection of Recommended Craft Ideas to Make in February (61–70)

Ehomaki made with origami

[February Craft] How to Make Ehomaki (Toilet Paper Roll, Origami) [Easy Handmade] Sushi Roll • Setsubun

Ehomaki made with origami

You can make it with a toilet paper roll! Here’s how to make a cute Ehomaki.

First, wrap black origami paper around a toilet paper roll and fold any excess inward.

Next, make the fillings using six sheets of origami paper.

Fold each sheet in half and cut.

Take each cut piece, fold it in half vertically, then roll it tightly starting from the short edge.

Secure with tape.

After rolling all of them, bundle them together with a rubber band.

Then, take four tissues and fold them in half twice.

Wrap the fillings with the tissues and insert them into the toilet paper roll.

Make another set the same way using the leftover origami paper, place it into the roll, and you’re done!

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[Sputtering] Snow Globe

Sputtering, which means “spraying,” is a coloring technique where you flick paint to create a mist-like effect using a fine mesh or a brush.

Let’s use this sputtering technique to make a dreamy snow globe! To make it, cut dark-colored construction paper, such as black or navy, into a circle, then load a toothbrush with paint and flick it with your finger.

If you don’t want to get your fingers dirty, you can also rub the brush against a tea strainer.

Finish by adding a base and a snowman, and you’re done.

Try changing the paint colors or adding pearl stickers to create a piece full of originality.

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Snowman Stencil

[Wall activity] Dab with a pom-pom to add color! Snowman stencil [Winter craft]

Snowman Stencil

The snowman stencil, where children use their fingertips to dab colorful paint with a sponge, is a perfect idea for nurturing a two-year-old’s creativity and senses.

Why not spark their imaginations again this winter with this craft activity? The tools and materials are simple—using items like cotton swabs and clear folders—to create friendly winter characters.

It’s sure to bring out smiles with its gentle touch! Aim for a clean, understated finish, and sprinkle in elements of Setsubun and Valentine’s Day to create a lovely, February-themed piece.

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[Origami] Heart

[Origami] A nursery teacher shows how to make a heart — how to fold a heart

[Origami] Heart

Many households, daycare centers, and kindergartens incorporate origami so children can play with their hands.

Here, we introduce a heart origami activity perfect for February! It’s a great craft for Valentine’s Day, the big event of the month.

Hearts may seem a bit complicated to fold, but you can create an adorable heart shape with only a few folds! The simple steps make it easy for three-year-olds to try.

It’s also nice for teachers and parents to support and try it together!

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[Yarn] Snowflake

This is a yarn snowflake craft that helps develop 3-year-olds’ finger and wrist skills.

Why not enjoy a seasonal activity together with the children? First, cut thick paper into strips and trim both ends into triangles.

Next, make small slits at both ends, anchor the yarn, and let the children wrap it around as they create.

Make three of the same piece, arrange them into a snowflake shape, and secure them with yarn to finish! It also looks adorable as a hanging decoration, so be sure to give it a try.

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Stained glass of a heart

Let me introduce a heart-shaped stained glass craft that’s perfect for Valentine’s in February! First, cut construction paper or cardstock into a heart shape, create a stained-glass-style frame inside, and cover it with wide OPP tape.

Next, have the children cut colored cellophane into small pieces with scissors and stick them on however they like—that’s it! You can decorate windows with it or take the artwork on a walk.

The way the colored cellophane sparkles in the sunlight will surely captivate the children.

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[Origami] Snowman

[Origami Instructions] Perfect for winter wall displays! Let’s make a snowman out of origami.

[Origami] Snowman

Origami snowmen that let you feel the season are also recommended.

This one uses the white side of the origami paper to make a snowman.

By using folds to create steps, you can shape it to look like large clumps of snow stacked together.

Since it uses a slightly unique method of expression, that aspect is part of the fun too.

Once the snowman is finished, fold a separate scarf and put it on to complete the piece.

It could be fun to change the color of the scarf to add your own originality.

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