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 (31–40)

Picture-book-style heart message card

Simple! Flip-open heart picture-book-style message card: 'Cute Letter Origami'—great for Valentine's Day (kids can make it themselves!) • Origami easy heart memo valentine

Picture-book-style heart message card

This is a heart-shaped message card made with origami.

It has multiple surfaces to write messages on, so you can flip through them and enjoy it like a picture book.

The method is very simple: fold the origami paper into a triangle three times, then cut it into a heart shape with scissors.

Open the paper and, following the crease lines, alternate mountain folds and valley folds to collapse it.

When folding, place the colored side of the origami facing up before folding into a triangle.

Also, when cutting the triangle into a heart shape, you’ll trim off two corners, but be careful not to cut the corner that is the center of the origami.

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ogre’s iron club

[Setsubun Origami] Easy Oni's Club with One Sheet ✨ How to make a paper spiked club #dokkaebi #oni #club #bangmangi #Setsubun #howtofold #origami #paper #easy #diy

ogre's iron club

For this idea, use origami paper measuring 7.5 cm × 15 cm.

First, position the paper so the 15 cm sides are at the top and bottom.

Next, fold it in half by bringing the top and bottom edges together, crease well, and open it.

Then fold the top and bottom edges in to meet the center crease.

After that, fold the right edge over the left edge to fold the paper in half, and create a step by folding back a strip about 1 cm wide from the crease.

This step separates the club (kanabō) section from the handle section.

For the handle, fold the top and bottom of the right-side portion of the paper in toward the center crease, and squash the pulled corner into a triangle.

Finally, fold the four corners of the remaining club section into triangles to round them off, and you’re done.

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Let’s make oden toppings!

It looks just like the real thing! This is a heartwarming craft project we recommend.

You’ll need origami paper, tissue paper, paint, double-sided tape, scissors, paper plates, pipe cleaners, and more.

Cold winter days make you crave oden, don’t they? Before starting, try asking the kids which oden ingredients they like—you might catch a glimpse of each family’s unique preferences.

You can pack in each child’s favorite ingredients, or have everyone make the same ones.

Add your own twists and enjoy creating in a fun, cheerful atmosphere!

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Handmade toys for Setsubun

https://www.tiktok.com/@chooobo2/video/7456021514836593928

Let’s make and play! Here’s a fun idea you can use for Setsubun events, too.

It would be a waste to only make crafts for Setsubun—why not incorporate them into a game? In the video, we introduce a game where you launch a paper Ehomaki to hit oni targets made from toilet paper rolls and construction paper.

You can adjust the target designs and the way you play to suit different age groups.

This is a great idea for teachers planning Setsubun events!

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[Paper Plate] Oni Mask

Handmade Oni Masks! A Preschool Teacher Explains Easy Setsubun Crafts (For 3- and 4-Year-Olds)

[Paper Plate] Oni Mask

Make and wear it! Many teachers and parents are probably thinking about doing crafts for Setsubun gatherings and events.

In such cases, we recommend making wearable oni (demon) masks.

The crafting process nurtures creativity and fine motor skills, and wearing the finished mask gives children a sense of achievement and satisfaction.

By paying attention to safety tips and the order of steps and keeping the atmosphere fun, even children who are afraid of oni can participate more comfortably.

Be sure to give it a try!

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