[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

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 (61–70)

Let’s make an ogre with a sponge stamp!

@hoiku.labo
Perfect for Setsubun in February: Let’s make an oni (demon) with sponge stamping!Childcare Nursery teacher / Childcare worker Kindergarten Teacher Childcare job openings Childcare Column #NurseryTeacherThings #IWantToConnectWithChildcareWorkers #Nursery School Craft #DaycarePreparation Nursery School Practicum Childcare student Aspiring childcare worker Childcare Job Lab Nursery teacher skills Job change activities #JobChange #nursery_teacher_job_change Nursery teacher employment Production #Craft work Production #Sponge stamp Sponge Stamp Craft Sponge Stamp Production Setsubun craft
♬ Under the skin – &TEAM

This fun activity of dabbing with a sponge is a perfect February craft: making oni (Japanese ogre) characters full of seasonal flair.

It’s very easy to create cute oni, making this idea ideal for daycare centers and at home.

Cut out the oni’s face, hair, and horns from construction paper and glue them together.

Make a stamp using a sponge and a wooden skewer or chopstick, dip it in paint, and stamp the hair area.

It’s fun to see the sponge create patterns as you stamp.

Draw the face with black and red pens, and your adorable oni is complete.

Because it’s quick and simple, it’s perfect for one-year-olds.

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moko

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Chocolate decoration that rolls marbles

February makes you think of Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it? For crafts during this season, we recommend chocolate-themed decorations that you can enjoy like a game.

Prepare a container you don’t mind getting dirty, such as an empty tin or a box lid.

Place a heart-shaped piece of construction paper inside, then add marbles coated with paint.

Roll the marbles around to create patterns.

Use your wrists and upper body to move them so you don’t drop the marbles.

It’s a good idea to let your child choose the color of the paper and the paint.

Enjoy watching the patterns take shape and the process of completing the craft while moving your body.

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moko

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Kids will love it! Ice play

@nexus_official5
Makes you look forward to cold days?! We can’t wait for spring either, but try making this on a day when the forecast says it’ll be chilly the next day!#nexus #memorytree nursery school Kids will love it #IcePlay Winter Play Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #MemoriesTree Nursery School
♬ Escort – MoppySound

When it comes to playing with ice, many people think of summer, but in winter you can use the cold outdoor air to make ice.

The time it takes to freeze varies depending on where you place it and the temperature, which makes it a great learning experience for children.

You can make ice simply by putting water in a cup and leaving it outside, but this time let’s mix tissue paper and food coloring to create vibrantly colored ice.

In addition to making ice, try different ways to play: hold the ice up to the light, observe how it melts, or draw pictures using ice.

Expand the possibilities of ice play while embracing children’s free and creative ideas!

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sasashina

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Let’s enjoy the bean-throwing game!

@mammybear_
Last week during Setsubun bean-throwing, the children at each class enjoyed various games.#Nursery school Bean-throwing (Setsubun)Demons out, fortune in.Recommended
♬ Red Ogre and Blue Ogre Tango (Kids Song Cover) [from “NHK Educational TV E Tele - Okaasan to Issho”] – UtaSTAR

A heart-pounding event in February! How about trying some games perfect for Setsubun? You can pull a ring filled with beans to carry them, or throw beans at an oni target to defeat the ogre—plenty of Setsubun atmosphere to enjoy.

Let the children also have fun making masks and beans, and use the games to help them learn about the Setsubun tradition.

Feel free to adapt the rules to suit different ages! When older preschoolers carry the beans, turning it into a team competition will likely get everyone excited.

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sasashina

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Oni Masks and Preparing for Setsubun

@lienkashii
In the 1-year-old class, we made oni (ogre) masks☺️ We drew patterns on the inside of a milk carton using strings and pipe cleaners, then used paint to make stamps! We also made paper bands so they can wear them on their heads, and we’re getting ready for Setsubun👹 We’ll keep posting about the charms of our daycare, tips from childcare workers, and helpful parenting information🎶 Please follow us at @lien_kashii3550 🤲Bean-throwing (Setsubun)Setsubun craft Demon mask #Demon Production Crafts for 1-year-olds Demon Stamp State of the nursery Make children’s everyday moments more photographic #SmilingPhoto #Nursery School Craft Fukuoka City Higashi Ward #Nursery school #FukuokaCityNurserySchool Certified Childcare and Education Center Lianshii Nursery School Parenting Childcare #AuthorizedNurserySchool Kashii #Hoikatsu (childcare enrollment activities)Searching for a nursery Life with children Mom Dad Recruiting Kindergarteners Recruiting childcare workers
♪ Original Song – Liankashii Nursery School – Liankashii Nursery School