Lovely childcare

[Craft] Make and Display! A Special Feature on Ideas for Making Koinobori (Carp Streamers)

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

When it comes to Children’s Day, many people think of koinobori (carp streamers).

Koinobori are displayed at schools and at home to wish for children’s healthy growth.

This time, we’re sharing ideas for making koinobori.

There are plenty of fun ideas: perfect for wall displays, ones that use handprints and footprints, and even wearable versions! If children arrange them freely with their own ideas, they can create wonderfully unique koinobori full of personality.

Through making activities, let’s also teach the origins and customs of Children’s Day to deepen their interest in the event.

We use the term “seisaku” in the text because the items children create are treated as works or projects.

[Crafting] Make and Display! A Special Feature on Ideas for Making Koinobori (Carp Streamers) (51–60)

Patterned origami carp streamer

[Preschool Craft] Carp streamer craft ♪ Also great for May wall displays! | May carp streamer

Patterned origami carp streamer

Here’s an idea for making carp streamers using construction paper and origami: you’ll end up with a semi-3D, colorful koinobori.

First, cut construction paper into the shape of a carp and add an eye by attaching a circle cut from origami.

Next, fold patterned origami lengthwise into four equal parts and cut.

These strips will become the scales: start by gluing one end down on the back side, then gently curl the opposite end forward and glue it so it puffs up slightly.

Using a variety of patterned origami makes the finished piece look wonderfully colorful!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Carp streamers made from paper plates

[Nursery/Kindergarten] How to Make a Paper Plate Koinobori Table Decoration ♪ [Craft Idea for Early Childhood]

Carp streamers made from paper plates

A koi windsock made from a paper plate—and what’s more, this koi sways cutely back and forth when you nudge it with your finger.

To make it, fold a paper plate exactly in half, cut off both sides, and on one side snip it so it forms a tail fin shape.

Open the plate back up and decorate the rim all the way around with masking tape or similar.

Prepare round stickers cut in half, and stick them on like scales.

Finally, add an eye with a round sticker, and it’s done! It’s a round and adorable koi windsock, and it’s fun to make them in different sizes and colors.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve shared ideas for making handmade koinobori (carp streamers) using a variety of materials and techniques. Many of these ideas use everyday supplies, so they’re perfect for fun crafting with children. Koinobori make lovely seasonal decorations whether hung on the wall or by a window. Best of all, creating them together makes wonderful memories. Choose your favorite idea and make a one-of-a-kind koinobori of your very own.