[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.
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- Play activities recommended for childcare in February: ideas to enjoy seasonal events
- Fun Setsubun Activities for Childcare: A Collection of Exciting Games and Craft Ideas
[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events (11–20)
Puppet Paper Theater ‘Momotaro’
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.
Theater “Bikkuri Mamemaki”
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.
How do we convey Setsubun?
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.
Oni masks made with various materials and techniques
Let’s make oni masks using fun art techniques! The way to create the mask base and horn parts is the same; only the hair section uses different techniques.
We’ll introduce bleeding watercolor, wax-resist painting, torn-paper collage, and ideas that use glued-on yarn or tissue paper.
During Setsubun, we drive away oni by throwing beans.
Oni are scary, but wearing a mask you made yourself might give you the courage to face them.
Enjoy the crafting process and try expressing your own kind of strength!
A toilet paper roll core transforms into a fearsome oni!
Let’s make a warm and charming oni (ogre) using a toilet paper roll and felt.
First, wrap the toilet paper roll with felt and glue it in place.
Then use faux fur as hair, and attach facial parts and horns made from felt.
Using pearls for the eyes and cheeks will boost the cuteness and add a festive touch.
The key to this idea is layering yellow and brown felt, twisting them to create the pants.
It would also look cute if you use non-traditional colors.
A demon biting into an ehomaki
Ehomaki rolls are eaten to ward off misfortune and invite good fortune.
This lucky charm comes with a unique idea: an ogre—considered a symbol of evil spirits during Setsubun and driven away with beans—takes a big bite! Make it by dividing it into parts for the head, fangs, body, and the ehomaki, then assemble them later into a single design.
Creating it in the original size might be challenging, so try using larger origami paper.
Once finished, it can also be used as a wall decoration, instantly bringing a festive Setsubun atmosphere to the space.
[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events (21–30)
Sketchbook Theater
In this sketchbook theater, a transparent clear file is attached over the page, with a white sheet of paper inside.
What you first show the children is a simple illustration drawn in black pen on the clear file.
As the story progresses, remove the white paper from inside the clear file and let them see the picture of the ogre drawn behind it.
Characters like the crying “Waa-waa Ogre” and the “I-don’t-want-to-clean-up Ogre” make an appearance.
It’s wonderful content that not only drives away the ogres with bean-throwing, but also helps with guidance and reminders about good behavior.