Lovely childcare

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

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

Last updated:2024/2/12

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.

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 childcare that make use of light (1–10)

Light art made with egg cartons

Ohara Museum of Art – Art at Home: “Let’s Make It with an Egg Carton!! The Magic of Light – Shining Eggs”

Light art made with egg cartons

Let’s try a magical craft using an egg carton, pens, and tracing paper.

First, cut the egg carton in half and draw patterns on it with a pen.

Next, glue together a piece of thick paper and tracing paper to make a backing, and attach it to the egg carton.

Shine a flashlight or other light from the backing side, and mysterious colors and lights will appear, like stained glass or a kaleidoscope.

The risk of triggering an allergic reaction from the egg carton is low since it only touches eggshells, but if there are children with egg allergies, please check with their guardians to see if the child has previously handled egg cartons.

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Glowing Paper Cup Theater

How to Make a Glowing Paper Cup Theater for Bedtime with Kids ♪ [moca-chan Time]

Glowing Paper Cup Theater

On days with bad weather, it’s dark outside from the morning and it’s hard to feel upbeat, isn’t it? In times like that, why not make a paper cup theater to instantly brighten your kids’ mood? A paper cup theater is a craft idea like a projector that lets you project drawings onto a wall or ceiling.

All you need are paper cups, plastic wrap, rubber bands, and a flashlight or other light source.

First, cut out the bottom of a paper cup so it becomes a tube.

Next, draw your favorite illustrations on the plastic wrap.

They look beautiful when projected, so making them colorful is recommended.

Once your drawing is done, use a rubber band to fasten the plastic wrap over the bottom of the paper cup.

Shine the light toward a wall to project it, and you can enjoy a movie-theater-like atmosphere!

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Snow globe made from a plastic bottle

Mini Crafts at Home (2): Plastic Bottle Snow Globe Edition

Snow globe made from a plastic bottle

Here’s an idea for making a snow globe using a plastic bottle.

When light reflects on water, it sparkles beautifully like jewels, doesn’t it? An original snow globe that traps beads or marbles in water inside the bottle is beautiful and appealing even to small children.

What you’ll need: a plastic bottle, a cold pack (ice pack), water, colored pens, and decorations like beads or glitter.

By dissolving a little of the gel from the cold pack into the water, it thickens slightly.

This makes the beads and other items inside move more slowly, creating a more authentic snow globe effect.

Give it a try!

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[Ages 3 and up] Rainbow Craft

[Kindergarten/Preschool] Nijiiro Craft: How to Make a Stained-Glass-Style Rainbow That Lets Sunlight Shine Through!

[Ages 3 and up] Rainbow Craft

Here’s a craft idea inspired by rainbows, featuring the beautiful light reflected through colored cellophane.

Stick small pieces of colored cellophane onto a rainbow-shaped template to enjoy a stained-glass effect.

Handling the colorful cellophane also helps children develop their sense of color.

For a more satisfying result, it’s recommended that adults prepare the rainbow template in advance.

That way, children can simply enjoy exploring colors.

Take the finished piece outside and let it catch the sunlight to appreciate its beauty even more.

Give it a try!

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[Ages 4 and up] Let’s make a light box

A box of light!! Treasures sparkling all over! So pretty! So mysterious!

[Ages 4 and up] Let's make a light box

Why not try making a mysterious box that beautifully reflects light? First, cut silver origami paper into strips.

Then, attach tracing paper to one side of a milk carton ring to make the base.

Roll the silver origami into small tubes and line them up on the base.

When rolling, keep the silver side facing inward.

Once you’ve filled the box, stick several colors of cellophane on top, and it’s done! It’s a wonderful item for observing how light looks outdoors.

After you make it, be sure to head outside and have fun with everyone.

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Out for a walk! Effect Sheet

A familiar scene turns into a whole new world! This is an effect sheet that lets you enjoy the changes created by looking through it.

Prepare two plastic sheets (like the kind you can get at a dollar store).

Place glittery materials such as glitter or holographic pieces on one sheet, apply glue around the edges, then place the other sheet on top to seal it.

Add masking tape around the border, and your sheet is complete! Even a familiar schoolyard or park will become an entirely different world when you hold up the sparkling sheet.

Be sure to keep a close eye on children while they carry it so they don’t get too absorbed holding it up to the sun or lose their footing.

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Waterdrop

These water drops with colorful motifs are eye-catching! First, dissolve paint or food coloring in water to make colored water.

The intensity of the color will vary depending on how much you add, so it’s fun to experiment—asking things like, “How much should we add to get a beautiful color?” Next, pour the colored water into a bag, seal it tightly, attach it to fishing line or string, and hang it up to finish.

If you hang them by a window, you can enjoy a range of hues as the light shines through from outside.

Why not gaze at them with children and notice how the appearance changes with the weather and time of day?

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