Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Fun to Make! February Craft Ideas Collection

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
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.

February is full of unique delights—like Setsubun, Valentine’s Day, and activities that make the most of the cold, such as ice-making—that children look forward to.

However, when it snows or the temperature drops too low, there will be more days when you can’t go outside.

So this time, we’re sharing craft ideas perfect for February.

We’ve gathered lots of fun projects that will excite children and blow away the winter chill.

Be sure to try making them together with your kids.

Note: Since items made by children are treated as artworks, we refer to them as “creations” in the text.

[Childcare] Fun to Make! February Craft Ideas (1–10)

bean container

[Setsubun Craft] Make it with a paper cup! How to make an oni (demon) bean holder [Ashitaba Channel]

bean container

Let’s make a cute ogre-themed bean container to enjoy Setsubun bean-throwing even more.

As prep, punch two holes near the rim of a paper cup, thread a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) through, and make a handle.

Then have the children glue on crumpled paper to create hair and add facial parts to finish.

For very young children, it’s best to pre-cut the facial parts so they can choose eyes, a nose, and a mouth and stick them on.

For kids who are used to using scissors, let them cut their own parts and try making ogres with different expressions—angry, smiling, and more.

You’ll get uniquely expressive and fun creations.

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Oni Horns

Craft Play: Oni Horns Made from Milk Cartons for Setsubun Crafts

Oni Horns

When you think of an ogre’s trademark, it’s the yellow horns, right? Here’s an easy way to make horns you can put on.

First, cut a milk carton into an oval shape, punch holes on both sides, and thread an elastic cord through them.

Adjust the length of the elastic to fit the actual size of the face so it won’t slip off.

Glue yarn hair and cone-shaped horns made from thick paper onto the milk carton, and you’re done.

Since there are many steps that can be tricky for younger children, it’s best for an adult to help and make them together.

Let kids choose their favorite yarn and horn colors and mix them up—the color variations make for fun, colorful ogre horns, which we highly recommend.

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Oni Target-Throwing Game

DIY Setsubun: Oni Target-Throw Game | How to Make an Ogre Extermination Game

Oni Target-Throwing Game

How about making oni targets and enjoying a target-throwing game? It’s sure to get everyone excited for Setsubun! It’s easy to make: fill a capsule toy container with oil clay, then stick in a bamboo skewer with a drawing of an oni attached—voilà, you’ve got a wobbling roly-poly oni! The way it pops back up no matter how many times it gets knocked over is uniquely fun and addictive.

Since inserting the bamboo skewer can be dangerous, it’s best for an adult to help.

For children aged 1 to 3, we recommend having them color an oni picture drawn by a teacher.

As children get older, make the oni drawings on the targets smaller so they can develop their aim while playing.

It’s a game that’s fun for both individuals and groups, so give it a try!

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[Childcare] Fun to make! February craft ideas (11–20)

Hanging decorations for Setsubun

[Craft Idea] Hanging Decorations for Setsubun (February Setsubun) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/OT/Daycare) (Early Childhood Learning) (Origami) (Kirie/Paper Cutting) (DIY)

Hanging decorations for Setsubun

A full lineup of Setsubun-inspired motifs! This wall decoration is perfect for February, featuring a hanging display of origami ogres (oni), oni underpants, ehomaki sushi rolls, holly with sardines (hiiragi iwashi), plum blossoms, and more.

Since the folding for the ogres and their pants can be a bit tricky, it might be nice to have the children handle drawing the faces and patterns.

The ehomaki are easy: just roll black paper into a tube, stuff tissue inside, and attach finely cut pieces of origami to look like the fillings—give it a try together.

Once everything is finished, attach each piece to strings and hang or display them on the wall.

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Oni made with finger paint

Let’s try combining sensory play with a fun crafting activity using finger painting! First, put some paint on drawing paper in the color you want for the ogre’s face.

Choosing pop colors will give you a cute ogre.

Cover the paint with plastic wrap, then let the children spread it with their fingers.

Enjoy the unique, fascinating texture to the fullest.

Remove the wrap and let the paint dry, then cut it into the shape of the ogre’s face.

Glue on the pre-made hair and horns, and draw the facial features to finish! Assign parts of the process based on the children’s interests and curiosity, and have fun creating together.

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Snowflakes with a straw

Let's line up straws and make snowflakes! Great for wall decorations and other crafts.

Snowflakes with a straw

Here’s a fun winter craft you can easily make with things you have at home.

Gather straws in white, as well as blue or yellow, and some rubber bands to create colorful snowflake ornaments that will brighten up your room.

Prepare a foam container with evenly trimmed edges to use as a base, then layer the straws on top, balancing them as you go.

The color scheme is entirely up to your taste.

Secure the bundled center with a rubber band—that completes the ornament itself.

Thread some twine through it and hang it on the wall, ceiling, or window to finish a snowflake mobile that’s perfect for the winter season.

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snow globe

[Make it in 5 Minutes!] Super Easy! A Snow Globe Made with Daiso Materials ♡

snow globe

Let’s make an original snow globe and enjoy the snow! Here’s how to create your own snow globe.

You’ll need liquid glue, an empty jar, glitter or small figurines (anything you want to put inside), adhesive, and chopsticks.

Handmade snow globes are great because you can express your own little world.

It’s also fun to see how the ratio of liquid glue to water changes the speed at which the glitter falls! Why not create an original tiny world with your favorite figurines and glitter?

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