Let’s make chirashi sushi!

[Preschool Teacher Hina Matsuri Performance] Let’s Make Chirashi Sushi

I think many families eat chirashi sushi for the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri).

So as a Hinamatsuri activity, let’s try making chirashi sushi! It’s great to cook it for real, but the preparation and hygiene can be a lot of work.

Here, we introduce an idea for completing a chirashi sushi using parts made from construction paper and similar materials.

Use a picture of a sushi tub with rice as the base, and use a sponge dipped in paint to represent pink fish flakes (denbu).

Then paste on illustrations of lotus root, shrimp, snow peas, shredded omelet, and more.

Explain the meanings of the ingredients as you go, and try making a delicious chirashi sushi.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Riddle Hinamatsuri

[Childcare] Theater 'Riddle Hinamatsuri' [Featured in PriPri February 2021 issue]

If you’re holding a Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) party, how about having fun with riddles that all the children can join in? To make it visually enjoyable, you could pose questions using handmade hina dolls—the Empress and Emperor figures.

Try creating content about things kids are likely to know, such as the flowers displayed and the sweets eaten during Hinamatsuri.

If making riddles is difficult, turn them into a quiz or look for good questions in riddle books or on websites.

Many children love riddles, so it’s sure to be a hit.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Hishimochi Stacking Game

Let me introduce the “Hishi Mochi Stacking Game,” which uses hishi mochi—offerings known for Hinamatsuri.

In this game, you stack paper hishi mochi on top of a base and a stick that represents a hishidai (diamond-shaped stand).

Set a time limit and see how many you can stack! It’s not as fun if all the hishi mochi are the same shape, so make them in various sizes and in three colors: green, pink, and white.

It looks simple, but the base is unstable, so it’s actually quite tricky.

That’s exactly why it will help kids focus and really get into it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Let’s play with Hina-arare!

Crumple pink, green, and white tissue paper to make Hina-arare (doll festival “puffed rice”) and fill an upside-down umbrella with them.

On the count of 3-2-1, spin the umbrella, and the Hina-arare will scatter all over the room.

The kids will probably go “Wow!” in surprise.

You can scoop up the scattered Hina-arare, gather them into a little mountain, or even try something you can’t do with the real thing—lying down on top of the Hina-arare! Let the children’s creativity lead the way and have them play with the Hina-arare however they like.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Hina-arare Tree Game

Let’s enjoy a thrilling, heart-pounding game! Here’s an idea for a Hina-arare Tree Game.

Once you’ve wrapped double-sided tape around a pool noodle in a spiral, you’re ready to go! Take turns sticking colored balls—standing in for hina-arare—onto the pool noodle “tree.” If the balance shifts, the tree will topple, so have fun playing while enjoying the suspense! Once you get the hang of it, it could be fun to specify the number or colors of the balls.

Give it a try!

Hinamatsuri Silhouette Quiz

Let’s host a quiz tournament using paper puppets! Here are some ideas for a Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) silhouette quiz.

What comes to mind when you think of Hinamatsuri? Try holding a quiz to become a Hinamatsuri master—where participants can guess the answers just by looking at silhouettes.

Turning it into a quiz format is likely to spark children’s interest and curiosity! It’s also an effective way to share the meanings and origins of the decorations used during Hinamatsuri.

Be sure to try a Hinamatsuri silhouette quiz with paper puppets!

Hinamatsuri Spot-the-Difference Game

Teachers transform into Hina dolls! Here’s a spot-the-difference game themed around the Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day).

Seeing their teachers looking different from usual is fresh and eye-catching for children, isn’t it? The teachers dress up as Hina dolls using colored plastic bags and construction paper, appear on stage, then hide behind a curtain or backdrop.

When they come back out, the children have to answer what has changed—it’s a spot-the-difference game! They can take their time to think or discuss with friends.

It’s sure to be a lively, fun event.

Give it a try!