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 in Childcare! A Collection of Ideas for Exciting Games and Crafts (21–30)
[Craft] Oni (demon) hat
![[Craft] Oni (demon) hat](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kCHRwrFYsu0/sddefault.jpg)
Here’s a cute oni (demon) hat craft idea for Setsubun.
First, take a sheet of construction paper cut into a rectangle and fold it to create a 4×4 grid of creases.
Next, using the grid as a guide, cut the top row into triangles.
Make two of these sheets and glue them together to fit your child’s head size.
Overlap the triangular sections and staple them in place.
Finally, decorate with the oni’s face, horns, and hair—and you’re done! Try different colors of construction paper to make oni in various hues.
Theater “Bikkuri Mamemaki”
This is “Surprise Bean-Throwing,” performed with paper cups decorated with illustrations.
The characters are Kitty-chan and Doggy-kun.
They were smiling happily, but a Crybaby Ogre and an Angry Ogre slipped inside their bodies! Kitty-chan starts to cry, and Doggy-kun gets angry—it’s a big problem.
Let’s scatter beans to drive out the ogres inside them! On each paper cup, attach two illustrations on the sides: one with a smiling face and one with the transformed face.
When you want to switch the expression, simply rotate the paper cup.
Gymnastics! Oni Ranger
In Setsubun, demons are the villains, but some kids might secretly think the demons’ strength is cool.
Here’s a gymnastics song that those kids are sure to enjoy: “Oni Ranger.” In this song, three heroes of justice appear: Red Oni Ranger, Blue Oni Ranger, and Pink Oni Ranger.
Pick your favorite Oni Ranger and try dancing along.
Since it’s a gymnastics routine, focus on making big, full-body movements.
During the instrumental break, you can move freely.
Setsubun Magic
When you pull the card, the picture changes! It’s a Setsubun magic trick that uses a special mechanism.
Make red, blue, green, and yellow ogres in various colors so kids can enjoy all kinds of ogre expressions.
This card has a piece of white paper inside the frame that acts as a divider; when you pull out the card, the color illustration behind the divider becomes visible, and the picture changes.
If you don’t know the trick, it feels just like watching magic, doesn’t it? The kids are sure to love it!
Sketchbook Theater
In this sketchbook theater, a transparent clear file is attached over the page, with a white sheet of paper inside.
What you first show the children is a simple illustration drawn in black pen on the clear file.
As the story progresses, remove the white paper from inside the clear file and let them see the picture of the ogre drawn behind it.
Characters like the crying “Waa-waa Ogre” and the “I-don’t-want-to-clean-up Ogre” make an appearance.
It’s wonderful content that not only drives away the ogres with bean-throwing, but also helps with guidance and reminders about good behavior.
Demon-slaying with paper cups!
Let’s try making a jumping ogre craft that springs into the air! You’ll need two paper cups, two rubber bands, and construction paper to draw the ogre’s face.
First, make four slits on the rim of one paper cup—top, bottom, left, and right.
About 1 cm deep is fine.
Hook two rubber bands into the slits so they form a cross.
Secure the bands with tape so they don’t come off.
Next, draw your favorite ogre face on the construction paper, cut it out with scissors, and attach it to the paper cup with the rubber bands.
Finally, draw the ogre’s body on the second paper cup.
Place the body cup upside down with the bottom facing up, then fit the rubber-band cup over it from above and press down firmly.
When you release, the ogre’s head will spring—boing!—into the air.
Bean-throwing play with empty boxes
How about a bean-throwing game idea that turns an empty box you’d normally throw away into a fun toy? It’s perfect for indoor play in February.
Fix the box lid upright with duct tape or similar so it stands vertically.
Line the bottom of the box with colored construction paper, and stick a paper-made oni (demon) face and pants on the inside of the lid.
For hair, use small pieces of colorful origami paper for a fun look.
Using shiny, reflective origami will also get kids excited.
Make paper balls by crumpling origami, then throw them at the oni.
If they land inside the box, you win!
