Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Horsetail (tsukushi) craft ideas

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.

Horsetails are a perfect motif for spring.

Depending on the region, many children may have never seen real ones.

Here, we’ve gathered craft ideas featuring horsetails that sprout up sturdily.

We introduce a variety of ideas—from ones that showcase each child’s individuality to semi-3D creations.

Choose according to your classroom’s atmosphere and how you’d like to display them.

If you make them together with the children, it will be a wonderful time to share that “We did it!” moment.

Be sure to decorate your classroom to feel like spring.

[Childcare] Tsukushi (horsetail) Craft Ideas (1–10)

Horsetail made from cardboard

Let’s make an adorable horsetail (tsukushi) using cardboard in a color similar to the plant! First, cut the cardboard into the shape of a tsukushi.

Next, create patterns on the stem section.

For the patterns, try wrapping yarn or ribbon around the cardboard, or cut origami paper into thin strips and wrap those around.

Also, don’t forget the jagged “hakama” segments on the stem—cut hakama shapes out of origami or construction paper and glue them on.

Finally, draw a cute face on the tip, and you’re done! If you display each child’s creation on the walls around the classroom, it will make for a very lively exhibition.

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Horsetail made with origami

How to easily make horsetail

Horsetail made with origami

There are various ways to make horsetail (tsukushi) with origami.

You can make it from a single sheet, by cutting the paper into long strips first, or by combining about two sheets.

There’s also a method where you don’t create tiny parts, but shape it roughly like a tsukushi and then add details later with a pen.

It’s also fun to draw a face on the tip or use different stationery to add patterns.

When forming the rounded tip or folding the “hakama” segments, there will be more delicate steps, so try making it together with a teacher or guardian.

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Horsetail made with stamps

For children under 3, we recommend making horsetails (tsukushi) by stamping with a dabbing motion.

Cut a large circle out of construction paper for the tip of the horsetail, then stamp patterns onto it by dabbing.

Use stampers that are easy for your child’s age to handle, such as a tampo made from gauze or a piece made by attaching bubble wrap to a tube-shaped object.

Once the stamped tip is ready, combine it with the stem that the teacher has prepared in advance, and it’s complete!

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[Childcare] Horsetail Craft Ideas (11–20)

Various kinds of rapeseed flowers

Rape blossoms are cute with their small yellow flowers.

How about incorporating them into your crafts in various ways? Prepare fluffy yellow construction paper shaped like the whole flower, and try different techniques for the little blossoms: stamp them with a stamper, use finger stamping, apply round stickers, make torn-paper collages, or crumple tissue paper and glue it on—there are many ways to express the look.

Crumpled tissue paper adds a three-dimensional feel, and with finger stamping you can try using various warm colors, too.

They’re perfect for wall decorations.

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Puku-Puku Strawberry

Let’s make cute, puffy strawberries using tissue paper! You’ll need: a clear wrapping bag, red or pink tissue paper, round stickers, and colored construction paper.

First, crumple the tissue paper into balls and stuff them into the wrapping bag.

Seal the top of the bag with cellophane tape, and tape the bottom corners so the bag forms a pointed strawberry shape.

Add the strawberry seeds by sticking round stickers on from the outside.

Cut a strawberry calyx (leafy top) from green construction paper and attach it with double-sided tape to finish.

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In conclusion

We introduced craft ideas for making adorable horsetail plants with their sprouting look.

By getting creative with materials and colors, you can make all kinds of horsetails.

If children draw the faces, each one becomes a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.

Let’s make lots of lively, growing horsetails to brighten up the classroom.