[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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[Childcare] Play and craft ideas to include in February events (41–50)
A heart ornament that’s fun to make
@rinmama_handmade Will this boost your child’s concentration!? A heart-shaped objet that’s addictive to make ♥ Perfect for Valentine’s photos! Materials and tools • Flower paper (tissue paper) about 3 cm × 3 cm • Smooth, soft clay 1/4 pack (using DAISO) • For decoration: chenille stems (pipe cleaners) or ribbon • Clear file folder • Clay tool set or a tool you can poke with, like chopsticks that aren’t too sharp What kids can help with ✔ Kneading the paper clay and shaping it ✔ Inserting fabric or flower paper ⚠ Please work carefully to avoid injuries My 4-year-old son loves this series! My 1-year-old daughter could help a bit too, and we enjoyed it together! Once it dries, some tissue paper might come off, so if that bothers you, glue it back on with paste or craft glue after drying 😊 Also, after it dries, if you stick flower paper cut into a heart shape on the back, it’ll look even cuter! ✼••┈┈┈┈┈┈••✼✼••┈┈┈┈┈┈••✼ I want to preserve my kids’ memories in a cute way! I love making things! ✂ I’m a late-20s/early-30s mom with a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old 🙋🏻♀️ I’d be so happy if you support me with likes ♥ and follows! ✼••┈┈┈┈┈┈••✼✼••┈┈┈┈┈┈••✼#ParentingMomParenting#100-yen-shop#100-yen shop DIY#diyworkEducationalHandmade
♪ Original Song – Rin Mama: Enjoy with your child through parent-child handmade crafts – Rin Mama: Preserve baby memories cutely with 100-yen store DIY
Let’s make a heart ornament using clay and tissue paper.
First, shape the clay into a heart.
If you’re having trouble getting a neat heart, a cookie cutter works great.
Once you have the heart shape, press it slightly to flatten the top, then embed pieces of tissue paper cut into 3 cm × 3 cm squares.
To embed them, lay the tissue paper over the heart and press firmly in the center with a chopstick or similar tool.
After all the tissue paper is embedded, make a hole at the top, thread a string or chenille stem through, and you’re done! This is a perfect idea for a Valentine’s Day craft.
Setsubun balance game toy
@chooobo2 Balance game 👹 This material will be distributed via an Instagram subscription ✨ You can also play by stacking plastic bottle caps or sponges 🌼Made in FebruarySetsubun craftSetsubun#HandmadeToyspaper plate#AtHomePlayPaper Plate Craft
Oria – niKu
Let’s try playing the “Setsubun Balance Game,” which helps kids develop their sense of balance while having fun! It’s easy to make: add two fold lines to a paper plate to create a wobbly base.
It’s a good idea to tape the plate so it doesn’t open back up.
Decorate the paper plate with construction paper and crayons, and make the pieces to place on top using printed oni (demon) materials.
You can also use bottle caps or sponges as substitutes, or draw your own illustrations on construction paper.
This game trains fine motor skills and balance, making it a great educational activity for children!
Valentine’s chocolate wall decoration
February brings Valentine’s Day, a time to share your feelings with someone special.
So this time, we’re introducing an idea for a “Valentine’s Chocolate Wall Decoration.” All you need are heart-shaped construction paper, white stickers, and crayons.
The time spent drawing on the heart-shaped paper is a moment when individual feelings tend to come through.
Some may draw spirals, others may use lots of favorite colors—each heart turns out differently.
Add a white sticker and write the name of the person you want to give it to, and it becomes a one-of-a-kind piece.
The time spent thinking, “Who should I choose?” is heartwarming, and this idea naturally invites Valentine-like exchanges.
Let’s defeat the demon with a ball!
February is still full of chilly days, so let’s get moving and play indoors! This Setsubun game involves defeating the oni (ogre) by throwing balls at it.
Ideally, the target oni is made in separate parts—head, torso, and left and right legs—and then assembled.
It’s fun because the way it falls changes depending on where you hit it: hit the head and only the head might drop; hit the torso and the whole thing might topple over.
When it’s knocked down, set it back up and try again and again.
Cheer each other on—“You can do it!”—and work together with friends to defeat the oni.
It’s a great way to build cooperation and learn the importance of steady, persistent effort.
Bean-throwing play with empty boxes
How about a bean-throwing game idea that turns an empty box you’d normally throw away into a fun toy? It’s perfect for indoor play in February.
Fix the box lid upright with duct tape or similar so it stands vertically.
Line the bottom of the box with colored construction paper, and stick a paper-made oni (demon) face and pants on the inside of the lid.
For hair, use small pieces of colorful origami paper for a fun look.
Using shiny, reflective origami will also get kids excited.
Make paper balls by crumpling origami, then throw them at the oni.
If they land inside the box, you win!
Introduction to games perfect for Setsubun
February’s activities are decided: games themed around Setsubun! First, hide crumpled newspaper “beans” somewhere indoors and have players search for them in a bean-hunting game.
Split into two teams—hiders and seekers—and compete for the fastest time to make it exciting.
Second, try a Setsubun twist on the kids’ favorite Fruit Basket game.
Have the children wear colorful oni (ogre) masks they’ve made, and play Fruit Basket using the mask colors.
Change the call that makes everyone move from “Fruit Basket!” to “Oni wa soto!” (“Demons out!”).
The different rules will feel fresh and fun.
Third is a word game: set a pose for three words that begin with “oni.” When one person says “onigiri, onigiri, oni,” everyone else should strike the matching poses.
Let’s liven up February with Setsubun games!
How to Make a Bean-Counting Game
A bean-toss game like basketball.
If you’re looking for a bean-throwing game that doesn’t involve scattering real beans—which are a pain to clean up and take up space—this activity is perfect.
Cut open one side of a milk carton and cover the outside with colored construction paper.
Fold the opened flap and secure it with vinyl tape.
Make horns and head parts from construction paper, attach them to paper cups, and draw an ogre’s face.
You can adjust the difficulty by changing the size of the paper cups, so it’s good to make several in different sizes.
Glue a plastic bottle cap to the bottom of the milk carton to create an incline, make your “beans,” and you’re done.
The feeling when a bean lands in the goal is sure to be addictive!