![[For 3-year-olds] Perfect for June! Craft ideas using various expressive techniques](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/2JPN58jxZF8/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 3-year-olds] Perfect for June! Craft ideas using various expressive techniques
When June arrives, there are so many things that make us feel the rainy season—like rain, frogs, umbrellas, and snails.
Here, we introduce craft ideas that three-year-olds can enjoy at daycare and kindergarten while having fun with the rain.
By making things together, you’ll create more happy memories and kids will gain new skills along the way.
Be sure to dive in with excitement and enjoy these fun crafts with the children.
Since the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (creative production) in the text.
[Age 3] Perfect for June! Creative project ideas using various expressive techniques (1–10)
[Paper Plates] Colorful Umbrella Decorations
![[Paper Plates] Colorful Umbrella Decorations](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2JPN58jxZF8/sddefault.jpg)
Here’s a craft idea for making colorful umbrellas out of paper plates.
First, draw patterns on the umbrella.
Blow painting, stamping—any technique is fine! Once you’ve added your designs, cut the paper plate in half, shape it like an umbrella, and glue it together.
Finally, thread a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) through and bend it to form the handle—done! You can leave the edge as is, or cut it into wavy or zigzag shapes for an extra-cute umbrella.
After threading the pipe cleaner, curl the tip at the ferrule end so it doesn’t slip out.
[Sponge Stamps] Colorful Umbrellas
![[Sponge Stamps] Colorful Umbrellas](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wots_5w7fOM/sddefault.jpg)
Here’s a fun umbrella craft idea where kids can dab paint like stamps using a sponge.
Cut construction paper into the shape of an umbrella, and prepare a sponge for applying paint plus one chenille stem (pipe cleaner).
An adult should handle the prep.
Put paint on a palette, dab the sponge in the paint, and have the children stamp it onto the construction paper.
If you provide a variety of colors, you’ll get cute, colorful umbrellas.
Once the umbrella is decorated, attach the chenille stem to the back of the paper to finish!
3D umbrella made with construction paper
Let’s make a 3D umbrella using construction paper and a straw.
If you connect them with string, they could also work as a mobile or garland.
First, prepare construction paper cut into circles.
Fold each circle in half, then fold it in half again.
Make seven of these in different colors.
Align the directions and glue six of them together, then attach a straw at the center and glue on the last piece.
Bend the accordion section of the straw to form the handle, and your umbrella is complete.
You can also make this idea with origami paper and chenille stems (pipe cleaners), which is recommended if you want a lighter umbrella.
[Finger Painting] Rain and Teru Teru Bozu
https://www.instagram.com/p/CePUJlkv3SY/Teru teru bozu hung up on rainy days look different depending on the angle, which makes them fun to observe.
Here’s a craft idea using finger painting.
Prepare white drawing paper and use crayons or stamps to depict rain.
If you’re using crayons, try drawing vertical lines.
Next, cut another sheet of paper into the shape of a teru teru bozu and add patterns with finger painting.
You can spread paint inside a sealable bag or put paint directly on your fingers and draw.
Attach paper-made facial parts to the painted teru teru bozu, then stick it onto the background to finish.
Adding an umbrella piece makes it extra cute!
raincoat
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeOI_iWJkY2/A raincoat is indispensable during the rainy season.
Here’s an idea to use raincoats—something familiar and friendly to children—as a wall decoration.
Instead of simply cutting out raincoat shapes and displaying them, why not try adding a creative twist? Prepare raincoats in a variety of bright colors, then create patterns by rolling marbles dipped in paint over colored construction paper, or by flicking paint from a brush in a dripping style.
After adding the patterns, cut the paper into raincoat shapes to make unique, personalized raincoats.
Balloon decorations of hydrangeas and snails
How about spending some at-home time making a “balloon decoration” themed around hydrangeas and snails for the rainy season? Use colored construction paper to craft pieces inspired by hydrangea blooms in red, blue, purple, and more.
In Japan, snails tend to be brownish, but abroad there are snails with yellow-green shells and vivid patterns.
It could be fun to make snails like those, too.
Also, since it’s hard to stick things directly onto the smooth surface of a balloon, it’s a good idea to first cover the surface with washi paper or newspaper.
Hydrangea torn-paper collage art
The rainy season can feel damp and muggy, and the overcast skies can make it seem dim, so it may carry a strong negative image.
Hydrangeas, however, might be just the thing to brighten that gloomy image of the rainy season, even if only a little.
Let’s enjoy and get through the rainy season with a torn-paper collage featuring hydrangeas—an essential motif for this time of year.
It’s a simple activity: color construction paper with crayons and cut it into small pieces, then paste them onto a hydrangea-shaped outline so the flowers appear to bloom.
Being mindful of finger movements is important—the light coloring process and the fine motions of cutting and pasting help exercise dexterity.
