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[For 5-year-olds] Let’s Make It! A Collection of Recommended Craft Ideas for February

February is packed with exciting events like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day! For projects with five-year-olds, there are plenty of ideas that make clever use of fine motor skills, such as making oni horns by wrapping yarn and creating items with scratch-card-style surprises.

It’s wonderful to nurture that special “I want to make it myself!” spirit unique to senior kindergarteners, while also giving them time to show their creations to friends and play with their finished works.

Here, we introduce craft ideas perfect for February’s seasonal events.

Enjoy the season together with the children as you create! Note: In this article, we use the term “seisaku (制作)” to refer to children’s creations as works (artworks).

[5-Year-Olds] Let’s Make It! A Collection of Recommended February Craft Ideas (41–50)

Let’s make oden toppings!

It looks just like the real thing! This is a heartwarming craft project we recommend.

You’ll need origami paper, tissue paper, paint, double-sided tape, scissors, paper plates, pipe cleaners, and more.

Cold winter days make you crave oden, don’t they? Before starting, try asking the kids which oden ingredients they like—you might catch a glimpse of each family’s unique preferences.

You can pack in each child’s favorite ingredients, or have everyone make the same ones.

Add your own twists and enjoy creating in a fun, cheerful atmosphere!

Warm gloves made with decals (decalcomania)

@hoiku.labo

[December Craft Recommendation♪] Let's make original gloves with decalcomania 🧤🎨#Childcare CraftingNursery teacher / Childcare worker#Drawers of Childcare#NurseryTeacherInTraining#NurseryTeacherThingsWith children#paintPaint makingDecalcomania

♪ Original Song – Craft Ideas for Childcare ♪ Hoiku Kyujin Labo – Hoiku Kyujin Labo | Nursery Teacher Job Changes and Helpful Information

A must-have item for the cold winter! Since kids can choose their own colors and design the piece themselves, it will stimulate their creativity.

This time, we’ll finish the project using a technique called decalcomania, in which paint is placed between sheets of drawing paper to create matching patterns.

When each child places their favorite colors wherever they like, it looks like we’ll end up with works that truly showcase their individuality.

Mittens are recommended for the glove shape, as the larger surface area allows the paint to spread more.

Be sure to give it a try on this occasion.

Stained glass of a heart

A heart-shaped stained glass that, when displayed by a window, catches the light and shows translucent colors.

The method is simple, so it’s easy for kids to make.

Cut construction paper into any shape you like and cover one side with clear tape.

Then stick small pieces of colored cellophane onto the clear tape.

You can place them freely in any arrangement.

February is Valentine’s season, so shapes like hearts, chocolates, or snowmen are recommended to capture the seasonal feel.

Try layering the cellophane and enjoying how the colors blend—you might discover something new.

Oni made with finger paint

Let’s enjoy the process of paints blending together and the cool, tactile feeling as we create! This is an idea I’d love children who think ogres are scary to try.

You will need drawing paper, paints in various colors, plastic wrap, crayons, scissors, and glue.

Using two to three colors of paint makes the color blending more fun.

Letting children choose their favorite paints might spark excitement and help them express their creativity.

If you use pastel-colored paints, it will result in a gentle, soft look—be sure to give it a try.

[Paper Plate] Oni Mask

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[Paper Plate] Oni Mask

Make and wear it! Many teachers and parents are probably thinking about doing crafts for Setsubun gatherings and events.

In such cases, we recommend making wearable oni (demon) masks.

The crafting process nurtures creativity and fine motor skills, and wearing the finished mask gives children a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

By paying attention to safety tips and the order of steps and keeping the atmosphere fun, even children who are afraid of oni can participate more comfortably.

Be sure to give it a try!

An ogre mask made with torn-paper collage

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An ogre mask made with torn-paper collage

Let’s create a project packed with personal touches! You’ll need construction paper oni parts, origami paper in your favorite colors, scissors, glue, thick cardstock, rubber bands, and a stapler.

The simple step of tearing origami paper for the oni’s hair and gluing it on is great even for infant classes, but since this is for a class of five-year-olds, it might be nice to set a theme of finishing their work with careful attention to detail.

They can have fun arranging the hair in rainbow colors or decorating with craft punches.

Give it a try and incorporate it into your activities!

Making oni masks

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Making oni masks

Let’s make oni masks to wear for Setsubun! As a first step, cut the base shapes for the oni’s face and hair from construction paper.

Next, cut out the parts for the eyes, nose, fangs, cheeks, and horns, and pre-cut short pieces of yarn for the hair.

Adults can handle the prep, but it might be nice to let the children do it since it’s good practice with scissors.

Once everything is ready, glue each part onto the face base.

After the oni’s face is complete, attach it to the mask base to finish! The mask base should be prepared by an adult in advance.