Craft activity ideas that parents and children can enjoy together during a preschool observation day

Panda’s Tambourine

Cute instruments can lift the mood! Here’s a panda tambourine idea to try.

You’ll need a paper plate, a straw, scissors, masking tape, panda parts cut from construction paper, and glue or double-sided tape.

First, cut the straw with scissors.

Next, fold the paper plate in half, put the cut straw pieces inside, and seal it.

Finally, attach the panda parts made from construction paper—and you’re done! It’s a charming, creative idea that will capture children’s interest.

Give it a try!

Empty Can Tambourine

Let me share an idea for making tambourines out of empty cans and boxes.

What you’ll need: empty cans or boxes from snacks, double-sided tape or glue, parts made from construction paper, and decorative materials.

Have you ever thrown away a round cookie tin or an empty cheese box thinking it might be useful for something? Why not try making a tambourine that’s fun to create and delightful to play, together with your child! The step where you freely stick the parts together is exciting for both kids and adults.

Give it a try!

Walk Card

[2-year-olds] Let's take our walk cards and head out!

Spring brings lovely weather and is perfect for going on walks, isn’t it? Try taking a fun stroll around the preschool with a “walk card.” It’s a great idea to draw pictures of spring flowers and insects that bloom or appear around the school on the card.

Before setting out, hand out the cards and check what kinds of plants and insects are drawn—this will make the walk even more enjoyable.

When children find a flower or insect, they can put a sticker on it and talk about what they discovered.

When walking with the card, it’s easy for their gaze to tilt downward, so please be extra careful about cars and other hazards as you enjoy your walk.

Gum-Gum Tambourine

[Super Easy] Gomu-Gomu Tambourine [Handmade Toy DIY]

Let’s customize a tambourine! Here are some ideas for a “Gomu-Gomu Tambourine” (a rubber-band tambourine).

You’ll need craft beads, twist rubber bands, scissors, an awl, and a 6-inch wooden tambourine.

A tambourine is typically played by hitting or shaking it to make sounds, but with a few custom touches, it can become even more fun for everyone—from kids to adults.

Don’t you wonder what kind of sound it will make when you play it with colorful beads and stretchy rubber bands? Give it a try and make your own!

straw tambourine

[Handmade Toy] An Instrument Even Infants Will Love! How to Make a Tambourine with Paper Plates

You can make one even without bells or cymbals! Here’s an idea for a tambourine made with straws.

What you’ll need: two paper plates, straws, scissors, tape, washi tape, pens, and illustrations.

How about making a tambourine with paper plates and straws and giving it a try? Since you can draw your favorite designs on the paper plates, it’s great to use pens to freely draw and customize it.

Cutting out and pasting illustrations is wonderful too! Give it a try!