Lovely childcare

[For Preschoolers & Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)

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.
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.

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival.

Some preschools and kindergartens include it as one of their traditional events, and some families may be thinking of celebrating it at home.

We’d love for children to become fond of Hinamatsuri culture while enjoying its festive atmosphere.

So this time, we’re introducing a collection of Hinamatsuri-themed activities, games, and craft ideas that can be enjoyed at preschools and children’s groups.

Every idea is something kids will love.

Adults, please enjoy the traditional festival together with the children as well.

[For Preschoolers & Kids] Games, Activities, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (21–30)

Hina-arare Shooting Game

Hinamatsuri Game

Hina-arare Shooting Game

This is a Hinamatsuri game that uses various tools.

Place a paper ball—standing in for hina-arare—on a launcher made from rubber bands and chopsticks, press it down firmly with your finger, and release.

If the ball shoots off and lands in any of the many goal cups set up ahead, you win.

Plus, this game is fun to craft, too: draw your favorite designs on the goal cups, or make your own personalized hina-arare balls.

Use your imagination and discover your own way to make it fun.

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Making ‘bonbori’ (traditional paper lanterns) with origami

[Hinamatsuri Origami] How to fold a flat bonbori (lantern) with voice commentary ☆ Origami Hinamatsuri tutorial

Making 'bonbori' (traditional paper lanterns) with origami

Many people probably DIY the tiered stands for their Hina dolls, right? But when you make one yourself, it can feel like something’s missing—that happens a lot.

Could it be that you’ve forgotten the item that makes the display instantly cuter: the bonbori lanterns? Their gentle light really enhances the Hinamatsuri atmosphere.

Folding them together with your child adds a lovely, handmade touch.

Try making bonbori out of origami and decorating your display!

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Murakami Shinpei

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[For Preschools and Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) (31–40)

Hina-arare hunt in the room

Hina-arare is an indispensable snack for Hinamatsuri! Its poppy colors are adorable, and the light, crispy texture with a sweet-and-salty flavor is a hit with kids.

How about hiding some hina-arare around the room and letting your children hunt for them like a treasure hunt? It’s great for doing at home, and also recommended for Hinamatsuri activities at daycare or kindergarten! Since March gradually gets warmer, it could be fun not only indoors but also out in the yard or playground.

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Treasure Hunt Game

https://www.tiktok.com/@kichijyo/video/7355463702692252936

Let’s go on a hunt for a special treasure! Here are some treasure hunt game ideas.

These ideas will give kids an exciting, heart-pounding adventure! Follow clues to find the hidden treasure while exploring the playground or the room.

It’s so much fun to team up with friends and search, thinking, “Maybe it’s hidden over there!” As a variation, you can hide treasures and give out stickers or small gifts each time a treasure is found to make it feel extra special.

It’s a wonderful game to play with friends and teachers, enjoying the sense of accomplishment together!

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[Paper Cup Craft] “Wobbly Hina Dolls”

For the Peach Festival! Easy craft: adorable wobbly Hina dolls made with paper cups ♡

[Paper Cup Craft] "Wobbly Hina Dolls"

Let’s make some cute, three-dimensional Hina dolls.

The materials are simple and likely things you already have at home.

All you need is colored paper, paper cups, and clear tape.

You can also get everything at a 100-yen shop, so it’s very easy to make.

Press the rim of the paper cup to flatten and stick it together, fold both ends to the back, and secure with clear tape.

Wrap colored paper around it to make the kimono, add the facial parts, and you’re done.

If you prepare the parts in advance, even small children can make them.

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[Hand play] The Five Musicians with Flute and DrumgaagaaS

[Hand Play • Hinamatsuri] The Five Court Musicians’ Flute and Drum / gaagaaS — childcare, March, Hina Dolls Festival, action song, parenting, children’s song

[Hand play] The Five Musicians with Flute and DrumgaagaaS

This is a fingerplay song themed around the Goninbayashi.

The Goninbayashi are the five musicians who sit on the third tier from the top of the hina doll display.

They sing and play instruments to make music.

This song incorporates the roles of the Goninbayashi into the lyrics, clearly introducing each person’s characteristic one by one.

It includes gestures like beating a drum and blowing a flute, making it a lot of fun.

At the end, you put together the instrument sounds and singing you’ve learned to the rhythm, finishing like a real concert.

It’s a highly recommended fingerplay song, so be sure to enjoy it for Hinamatsuri!

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Easy! Hishimochi Cookie Making

[Decorate before you eat] Hishi-mochi cookies 🎎

Easy! Hishimochi Cookie Making

The diamond-shaped rice cakes familiar from Hinamatsuri are so colorful and cute! It’s said that pink symbolizes warding off evil, white stands for purity, and green represents health.

How about making cookies in these hishi-mochi colors with your child? Just color the cookie dough in three shades, layer them, and cut them out with your favorite cutters to create beautiful three-colored hishi-mochi-style cookies! The key is to let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.

Since cutting out the shapes is lots of fun, let your child take the lead!

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