[Autumn Activities] Nature Play and Craft Ideas for Fall to Incorporate into Childcare!

Make and Play! Bagworm Kendama

How do you make a bagworm kendama? A DIY method using paper cups [For childcare workers / Autumn craft]

How about turning a kendama—where you balance the ball on the top or on the side cup—into a bagworm (minomushi) version? First, crumple up some newspaper into a ball and shape it with vinyl tape to make the kendama ball.

At this time, attach one end of a piece of kite string (both ends tied in firm knots) to the ball as you tape.

Next, tape the other end of the string to the outside bottom of a paper cup.

Then cut out eyes and a fallen-leaf-like body for the bagworm from construction or origami paper, and stick them around the cup—and you’re done! The ball is easier to catch than with a regular kendama, so kids can have lots of fun playing with it.

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SAKI

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Make it with handprints! Wobbly bagworm

[Autumn craft] We’re going to make a wobbly leaf insect using handprints!

Here’s a craft idea for making bagworms using children’s handprints and footprints! First, create the bagworm’s body out of colored construction paper.

Next, take origami paper in your favorite colors and tear it into long, thin strips.

Paste the strips onto the body with glue, and use the child’s handprints to make a cute outfit.

Draw the face, attach a piece of yarn to hang it, and you’re done! You can also decorate with yarn instead of or in addition to origami paper.

Making lots in different colors and displaying them looks super cute, so it’s highly recommended.

Be sure to have fun tearing and pasting together with the kids!

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kepiko

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Yarn Winding! Bagworm Ornament

[Autumn Craft] Yarn-Wrapped Bagworm Ornament

Let’s try making a bagworm craft that also lets you have fun with yarn.

First, glue colored construction paper onto white construction paper and cut it into an egg shape.

Make small slits around the edge, then wind the yarn around and around, tucking it into the slits as you go.

Wrap gently so the paper doesn’t warp, but firmly enough that the yarn doesn’t loosen and come off.

Once you’ve finished wrapping the yarn, decorate the case with round stickers, draw the face with a pen, add a touch of pink to the cheeks with blush, and you’re done!

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sasashina

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Autumn wall display! Mushrooms and bagworms

[Autumn Wall Decorations] A Preschool Teacher Explains Mushrooms and Bagworms! (For Ages 3–5)

This is a wall decoration of mushrooms and bagworms that’s fun to stick on with glue.

First, make the parts.

Using construction paper in your favorite colors, cut out mushrooms in various shapes.

If you’re working with small children, please cut them in advance.

After cutting slits in the mushrooms, cut separate pieces of construction paper to serve as the stems.

Next, make the bagworms.

Have the children help with what they can, like drawing the eyes.

Now for the assembly.

Tear pieces of construction paper and glue them onto a background sheet to form the bagworm’s body.

Add the eyes and a little hat, too.

Finally, overlap the mushroom pieces at the slits and glue them so they become three-dimensional—that’s it, you’re done.

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kepiko

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Autumn Origami Wreath

November Origami: Autumn Grove, Squirrel, and Acorn

Here’s an idea for a wreath you can make entirely from origami—from the base to all the parts.

You’ll be making three parts: the base, a squirrel, and a tree.

Since you’ll need several of each, try spreading the work over a few days.

For the base, fold four pieces the way you would when making a traditional “trick boat” (damashibune), creating parts where two boats overlap, then join the four pieces into a circle.

For the squirrel, first fold the left and right edges to meet at the center, then the top and bottom in the same way.

Next, fold up both corners of the top edge to make the ears, and cut along the crease at the lower right to form the tail.

For the tree, fold it four times so it approaches a triangular shape, and it’s done.

Take this chance to try creating a lovely autumn-themed piece!

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sasashina

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