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[Early Childhood Education] Ideas for childcare that make use of light

Looking to incorporate a sense of surprise or discovery into play and craft activities? If so, this approach might be for you.

We recommend childcare activities that make use of sunlight and artificial light.

Light is something we interact with every day without thinking, but by using it in crafts or bringing it into outdoor activities, you and the children can make new discoveries together.

In this article, we’ll share craft ideas and items that help children experience light.

For children with rich sensitivity, light is a natural material.

It will be exciting to see what impressions and comments they come up with.

また、子どもたちが作るものを作品（アートワーク）として扱っているため、本文中では一貫して「制作（seisaku）」と表記しています。

[Childcare] Ideas for Utilizing Light in Childcare (11–20)

Shining Fish Made from Aluminum Foil

How about making a sparkling fish with aluminum foil? First, cut construction paper to the size of the fish’s body and cut drawing paper into the shape of a fish with a tail.

Make small slits around the construction paper, then hook and wrap twine around it.

Next, cover it with aluminum foil and secure it on the back.

Gently press so the shape of the foil stands out.

Color the spaces between the raised strings with permanent markers in any colors you like.

Finally, glue it onto the drawing paper—and you’re done! You’ll have a shiny fish that sparkles in all kinds of colors.

tsukada moe
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Starry Sky Light

Create a cute starry sky with lights: a simple craft using toilet paper rolls!
Starry Sky Light

How about making a mini planetarium using toilet paper rolls? Have the children use sponges to color the rolls.

Using shades like navy and blue to create a gradient will give it a space-like feel.

Since they’ll be painting the entire surface, it’s a good idea to have disposable gloves ready in case paint on hands becomes an issue.

Once the paint is dry, the teacher will poke holes with a needle.

These holes will let light through, so keep the final effect in mind as you work.

After making the holes, shine a light from below.

It would also be nice to dim the lights in the classroom and enjoy a little viewing session together.

tsukada moe
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A lantern shade cut out from a milk carton

[Handmade Video] Hands Hint Club at Home: “Let’s Make a Lantern from a Milk Carton” [Official Hands]
A lantern shade cut out from a milk carton

Let’s make a lantern with a filigree-like look using a milk carton.

The finer the details, the more delicate your lantern will be.

First, open up the milk carton and cut off the top and bottom.

Once you have a rectangle, peel off the printed layer starting from the edge.

When it becomes plain white paper, draw any design you like on it and cut it out.

You can also draw pictures in the open spaces.

Cut the top edge into any shape you like, such as zigzags or waves.

Place it over an LED light and switch it on to finish.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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Lantern shade made with tissue paper

Have you ever peeled off the printed outer layer of a paper carton? It’s so satisfying to peel it away.

Plus, once you do, a light placed inside shines beautifully through the white carton.

This lantern is made that way: turn the peeled carton into a snowman, add a tissue-paper hat, attach pom-poms, and make the face.

They look adorable lined up in a dark room or placed by the front door.

You can use cartons of any size.

Give it a try!

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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In conclusion

We introduced ideas for childcare play that make use of light.

Light is something very familiar to children, yet it can be hard to notice unless we pay attention.

We hope children can experience plenty of the wonders of light and its sparkling scenes.

There may also be much that adults can learn from children’s reactions.