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

[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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[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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Dance: Happy Hinamatsuri

Children’s song “Happy Hinamatsuri” (from Momoclo-chan Z’s ‘GooChokiParty’)

Dance: Happy Hinamatsuri

The children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” which was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, is a celebratory piece for the Doll Festival, yet its minor-key, wistful melody leaves a strong impression.

Let’s enjoy dancing to it together with parents and teachers! The relaxed rhythm makes it easy for anyone to dance.

The choreography, inspired by the lyrics of the song, has an elegant feel.

Of course, you can add your own favorite arrangements too! Dancing while holding a folding fan will make you feel even more like hina dolls.

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Hinamatsuri Basket

Group game: Fruit Basket! The new Sumire class takes on the challenge together! Everyday life at Hachiman Kodomoen (Fukui City). April 2018.

Hinamatsuri Basket

Many of you reading this have probably played it at least once: the large-group game called Fruit Basket.

You split into several teams, sit in a circle, and when a team is called, only those members stand up and rush to take a different seat—that’s the rule.

So why not try a Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) version? The method is simple: just name the teams with Hinamatsuri-themed words, so you can enjoy it without any preparation.

Gather your friends and have a lively time together!

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[Paper Cup Cracker] Hinamatsuri Beanbag Toss

Have fun with paper cup crackers! Hinamatsuri! Let's play!

[Paper Cup Cracker] Hinamatsuri Beanbag Toss

This is a game where you can enjoy a beanbag toss using a paper cup cracker made from a paper cup and a balloon.

The colorful balls look like little dumplings, and the target boxes are uniquely designed as a hina doll couple with their mouths wide open.

Since the box openings face upward, when you play, create a height difference and shoot the balls from higher to lower.

They fly with a lot of force, so aim carefully! You could also set the openings to face forward instead of upward.

It seems like a game that would be very popular as a Hinamatsuri activity!

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