Perfect Summer Craft Ideas to Try in July for 4-Year-Olds

Water-play PET bottle toy

How to make three water-play toys from plastic bottles! Scoop & watering can, magic juice, and sparkly juice [For childcare workers and play materials]

Let’s try making some DIY toys for water play.

Here are three types: a scoop and watering can, magic juice, and glitter juice.

For the scoop, cut a plastic bottle in half, punch holes along the rim of the bottom half to thread a string through, then stack another bottle piece upside down (with the mouth facing down) on top to finish.

For the watering can, cut a rectangular opening in a plastic bottle and make several small holes on the opposite side for the water to flow out.

Magic juice is made by filling a small plastic bottle with water, dabbing some paint on the inside of the bottle’s mouth, then sealing and shaking it so the color changes.

Glitter juice is made by putting water, liquid laundry starch (or clear glue), and sequins or beads into a plastic bottle; flip the bottle upside down and back to enjoy the movement of the liquid inside.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Guri and Gura’s Seaside Swim

[Kindergarten/Daycare] July: Guri and Gura Seaside Swimming - Art/Painting & Craft

Let’s try making a craft inspired by the picture book “Guri and Gura’s Seaside Adventure.” First, use blue and white paint on light blue construction paper to create waves.

Prepare the environment so the children can freely express themselves.

Make Guri and Gura using origami—don’t forget their trademark red and blue hats.

Next, cut out two swim rings from construction paper.

Finally, glue all the parts onto the paper, and it’s complete! Just looking at it will make you feel like you’re at the beach.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

tsukada moe

Report a problem

Flaky fish in a single quick toss

One-cut scissors technique: no need to move the scissors many times or make wobbly, jagged cuts—just one clean snip does the job.

Let’s make a fish with colorful scales using this technique! First, prepare a piece of construction paper cut into the shape of a fish.

Next, take various colors of construction paper cut into thin strips, and snip them once each into roughly 1 cm squares—snip, snip! These will be the fish’s scales.

Apply glue generously to the areas of the fish shape where you want the scales.

Sprinkle the small paper pieces over the glued areas to attach the scales.

Brush away any pieces that didn’t stick, then add details like the fish’s eye, and you’re done! One-cut snipping is great practice with scissors, so kids who are currently learning to use scissors should definitely give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

Swaying wind chimes

As a summery craft idea for July, we recommend wobbly wind chimes.

Teachers and children can enjoy making them together, and after they’re done, the kids can take them home and keep enjoying them! You can decorate pudding or jelly cups and use them directly as wind chimes, take apart and repurpose the lids from six-piece cheese packs, or use capsule toy containers as they are—with a bit of creativity, you can turn recycled materials into lovely wind chimes! Note that making wind chimes involves a step where holes must be made, so be sure that adults handle this part.

Let the children put on stickers and draw pictures as their part of the process.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

miyabi

Report a problem

Colorful Turtle

This is a craft project featuring turtles, a creature popular with children.

When you think of turtles, you probably picture the shell on their backs.

In this project, that shell is expressed in colorful paint.

First, use masking tape on drawing paper to create the shell’s pattern.

Then paint over it with your favorite colors.

Once the paint dries, peel off the masking tape and cut the paper into the shape of a shell.

Finally, attach the head, legs, and tail pieces to complete your colorful turtle.

Since cutting out the small parts can be delicate work, it’s recommended that an adult prepare them in advance.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Fluffy shaved ice made with tissues

Shaved ice is a classic at summer festivals! Haven’t most kids tried it at least once? Here, we’ll introduce a craft idea that expresses shaved ice using tissue.

First, cut white construction paper into a mountain shape, then apply glue and stick on crumpled tissue.

Soak it with watercolor paint diluted with water to make the syrup.

Finally, attach it to a plate made from construction paper, and it’s done! Using syrups in different colors makes it look great and will be fun for the kids, too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Summer-themed origami

How about trying origami as a July craft project? There are plenty of ideas you can also use for summer wall decorations, like popsicles, juice, and straw hats.

It’s a perfect activity for three-year-olds whose fine motor skills are developing.

First, help them find an idea they want to make.

For parts the child finds difficult, an adult can lend a hand.

Encourage them to start with what they can do, build up small successes, and boost their motivation!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem