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[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events
Speaking of February events, Setsubun and Valentine’s Day come to mind.
Some of you are probably brainstorming event ideas like bean-throwing or cute crafts.
On the other hand, there may be people who struggle to come up with fresh ideas for annual traditions.
For those people, this time we’ll share play activities and craft ideas that are perfect for Setsubun and Valentine’s Day.
Incorporating new ideas is sure to make your events much more exciting.
Be sure to check out these ideas before you start preparing for your events.
[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events (1–10)
Theater “Bikkuri Mamemaki”NEW!
This is “Surprise Bean-Throwing,” performed with paper cups decorated with illustrations.
The characters are Kitty-chan and Doggy-kun.
They were smiling happily, but a Crybaby Ogre and an Angry Ogre slipped inside their bodies! Kitty-chan starts to cry, and Doggy-kun gets angry—it’s a big problem.
Let’s scatter beans to drive out the ogres inside them! On each paper cup, attach two illustrations on the sides: one with a smiling face and one with the transformed face.
When you want to switch the expression, simply rotate the paper cup.
Exciting tag game
Let us introduce “Three-Color Tag,” a game you can enjoy in red, blue, and green groups! Participants split into three groups—red, blue, and green—and everyone is “it.” Each group has its own base, which is a safe zone.
However, once you leave your base, you’ll be targeted by players from other groups, and if you’re tagged, you’ll be captured by that group.
You can call for help from a member of your own group; if they tag you, you can return to your base.
Those are the basic rules, but in the Setsubun version, the teacher beats a drum and calls out “Demons out!” When this signal is given, all the “it” players must leave their bases.
Anyone caught after the signal must sit down where they are and call for help from their teammates.
Ehomaki (lucky direction sushi roll)
Let’s make an Ehomaki using a toilet paper roll core.
The main materials are a toilet paper core, origami paper, tissues, rubber bands, and tape.
First, attach black origami paper to the side of the core to resemble seaweed.
Next, cut the origami paper for the fillings into 7.5 cm × 15 cm pieces.
Fold the cut paper in half to make a strip, roll it up tightly from the end, and glue it.
Once all the fillings are rolled, bundle them together and secure with a rubber band, wrap them with tissue, and fix them inside the core.
You’ll need the same on the other side as well, so please make two sets of fillings.
Easy! Heart Stick
When you shake the stick, the beads inside the heart jingle and look adorable.
If you bring this to a Valentine’s event, something wonderful might happen! You’ll need construction paper, beads, an OPP bag, and a straw.
First, cut the construction paper into a heart shape and cut out the inside as well to make a frame.
You’ll need two of these frames, one for each side.
Put the beads into the OPP bag and seal it, then attach it to the heart frame.
Next, glue a straw to the bottom of the heart as a handle and place the remaining heart frame on top.
Tie a ribbon around the straw for an even cuter finish.
Chocolate sticks made with construction paper
Let’s make heart-shaped chocolate sticks that are perfect for pretend play or Valentine’s Day.
Cut construction paper into heart shapes and draw designs with crayons.
Flip the heart over, tape a stick to the back, then slip a clear bag over it to wrap it up, and you’re done.
It’s also a great idea to decorate cutely by using torn origami paper or washi tape when drawing pictures or patterns on the construction paper.
If you make chocolates in various shapes—like stars and circles—just looking at them might make you feel excited, not only for pretend play.
Puppet Paper Theater ‘Momotaro’NEW!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGfLV_XTw6U/For teachers! This is recommended as an activity for Setsubun events.
A famous story featuring ogres (oni) is “Momotaro.” It’s the story of a boy born from a peach who is named Momotaro and sets off to defeat the oni.
Defeating oni is a bit similar to the Setsubun bean-throwing that drives away oni, isn’t it? So let’s present the story of “Momotaro” to the children using a paper puppet show (peep show).
Even children who are scared because the oni come during bean-throwing might feel encouraged to try their best after seeing Momotaro’s bravery.
How do we convey Setsubun?NEW!
Many of you may be wondering how best to explain Setsubun to children.
If that’s the case, please use this story as a reference.
Why is Setsubun in February? Why do we hang hiragi-iwashi (holly and sardines) on the front door? What kind of beans are used to drive away ogres? This content provides clear answers to those questions.
It’s explained while showing illustrations in a sketchbook, so it should be easy for children to understand.