Fun Setsubun Activities for Childcare: A Collection of Exciting Games and Craft Ideas
When it comes to Setsubun, bean-throwing is the classic activity, but many teachers at daycare centers and kindergartens may be wondering what kinds of games to include.
Especially for very young children like one-year-olds, it’s important to come up with ideas they can enjoy without being scared.
So here, we’ve gathered a variety of play and game ideas perfect for Setsubun.
From oni target-throwing and bowling to treasure hunts, these are all ideas that will bring smiles to children’s faces.
Many can be prepared with materials you already have on hand, so please feel free to use them as a reference!
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Fun Setsubun Activities for Childcare! A Collection of Exciting Game and Craft Ideas (71–80)
Bean container made with origami
Here are four types of origami bean-holding boxes you can make.
Each has a different shape, so it might be best to show the children samples and let them fold their favorite.
Basically, you repeat the same folding steps several times to form the box, but there are parts where you need to open and squash the paper, or make firm creases.
For those steps, an adult should work alongside the children and demonstrate as they go.
Once the box is folded, decorate it with Setsubun-themed parts to finish it off!
kamishibai (paper theater)
For children, Setsubun may only bring to mind a vague image of ogres appearing or throwing beans.
How about a picture-story show that clearly explains the origins of Setsubun for those kids? It covers things like the meaning of scattering beans and what foods are good to eat on Setsubun, so after listening, they might become Setsubun experts.
It’s very important to learn about our own country’s culture, so this could be a good opportunity to do some research as well.
Reading picture books aloud
No matter how old they are, children always seem to love being read picture books.
Any story can be enjoyable, but for this season I recommend stories about the origins of Setsubun and about bean-throwing.
If children know why we throw beans, they’ll likely have even more fun celebrating Setsubun.
Libraries have lots of picture books, so borrowing a few and reading various ones to them is a great idea.
It might also be fun for parents and guardians to exchange information with each other about read-aloud ideas.
bean container
Bean-throwing, which carries the wish to drive away evil and invite happiness, is one of the most enjoyable events of Setsubun.
A bean container to keep the beans at hand is also an essential element of the celebration.
By making one from a paper carton, you can create a sturdy container that prevents the beans from spilling.
Wrapping the carton with construction paper and adding decorations, you might design a cute oni (ogre) to bring out the spirit of Setsubun.
Paying attention to the oni’s color and expression can help people feel attached to it, and by adding touches like a handle, you can also make sure it’s easy to use.
Oni-shaped bean container
When it comes to Setsubun, many people probably picture oni (demons).
Traditionally, the Setsubun oni symbolized calamity and evil spirits, but in recent years they’ve become familiar, iconic characters.
With that in mind, let me introduce a cute oni-shaped bean holder.
It’s made of origami, with the inside of the oni’s head hollow so you can put beans in it.
Viewed from the side, it looks like a clasp purse, and a nice feature is that you can close the “mouth” when not in use.
It’s an idea that balances both design and functionality.
In conclusion
We introduced some Setsubun play ideas.
There were lots of activities that even one-year-olds can enjoy, such as bean throwing, ogre crafts, and ball games.
Setsubun activities at nursery are a valuable time to nurture children’s curiosity while engaging with seasonal traditions.
Through games, they can learn to cooperate with friends, and through crafts, they can make their very own ogres—encourage each child to find their own way to have fun.
Try adding creative touches so that Setsubun becomes a memorable experience for the children!