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[Childcare] Fun craft ideas and craft activities perfect for summer

Summer is full of fun events at daycares and kindergartens! With water play, festivals, and fireworks events, children really get a feel for the season.

Here, we’ll introduce craft ideas recommended for summer.

You can make all sorts of things like colorful fireworks, delicious-looking shaved ice, beautiful morning glories, and cute beach sandals.

These activities let you enjoy the summer atmosphere through crafting, so please use them as a reference! Some projects use unique techniques, so be sure to make fun summer memories together with the children.

Since the works created by children are regarded as artworks, the term “seisaku” (制作) is used in the text.

[Childcare] Fun Craft Ideas and Craft Activities Perfect for Summer (71–80)

Whale Shark Sticker Activity

[Sea Creatures Craft ②] Whale shark sticker activity 🦈🌊 #preschoolcrafts #nurseryteacher #teachingideas #withkids #easycraft #constructionpaper #stickerplay #shorts
Whale Shark Sticker Activity

Speaking of popular creatures at aquariums, whale sharks are a top favorite! Watching them glide leisurely in a huge tank really gives you a sense of the ocean’s vastness.

Let’s make a whale shark while having fun with stickers.

First, create the whale shark’s parts out of construction paper and glue them together.

Color the mouth area white, draw the face, then add patterns by sticking on white round stickers.

And that’s it—your whale shark is complete! You can also switch up the sticker colors to add your own personal touch.

Aquarium building

Aquarium-making (for 5-year-olds)
Aquarium building

As we spend more time indoors during the summer, why not take this opportunity to enjoy some focused crafting with your children? This time, we’re introducing an aquarium-making activity.

Aquariums, where you can see a variety of creatures up close, are full of charm for kids.

By creating their own aquariums, children can nurture their creativity and expressive skills.

Prepare familiar materials like paper plates and plastic bottles, and let the children cut and paste according to their own ideas and images—this helps develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

It’s great to carry out the activity while valuing children’s free-thinking and flashes of inspiration.

We hope you’ll give it a try!

Water-play PET bottle toy

How to make three water-play toys from plastic bottles! Scoop & watering can, magic juice, and sparkly juice [For childcare workers and play materials]
Water-play PET bottle toy

Let’s try making some DIY toys for water play.

Here are three types: a scoop and watering can, magic juice, and glitter juice.

For the scoop, cut a plastic bottle in half, punch holes along the rim of the bottom half to thread a string through, then stack another bottle piece upside down (with the mouth facing down) on top to finish.

For the watering can, cut a rectangular opening in a plastic bottle and make several small holes on the opposite side for the water to flow out.

Magic juice is made by filling a small plastic bottle with water, dabbing some paint on the inside of the bottle’s mouth, then sealing and shaking it so the color changes.

Glitter juice is made by putting water, liquid laundry starch (or clear glue), and sequins or beads into a plastic bottle; flip the bottle upside down and back to enjoy the movement of the liquid inside.

Summer at-home fun you can get all at the 100-yen shop!

Everything you need from the 100-yen shop! Here are some ideas for summer play at home.

Have you heard of a sensory bag? It’s a pouch-like item used as a toy to stimulate children’s senses, letting them play while engaging their perception and sensations.

This time, let’s make a DIY sensory bag and play with it! You’ll need a vacuum/compression bag, decorative pom-poms, beads, and liquid laundry starch or school glue.

You can also add glitter for extra sparkle.

The cool, chilly feel makes it perfect for summer.

Colorful ice play with pom-poms

Have fun without using colored water! Here’s a colorful ice play idea using pom-poms.

It’s easy to try because you can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.

This time, let’s use a round ice tray and colorful decorative balls to enjoy some cool, playful ice activities.

Just put the decorative balls and water into the round ice tray, freeze it, and you’re done! You can play by touching the ice as is, or enjoy watching it melt in the bath.

Try out different ways to play.

Colorful Ice Crayons

Distinctively soft, gentle colors! Here are some ideas for colorful ice crayons.

If your child is getting bored with drawing using regular crayons or colored pencils, why not try making ice crayons to spark their interest? You’ll need an egg carton or ice tray, water-based markers, straws, water, and plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

As the ice melts, it glides smoothly, making the drawing sensation uniquely fun! They’re also great for resist art and coloring.

Give it a try and bring this activity into your routine.

Ice play where you can put in your favorite character

https://www.tiktok.com/@riimama.asobi/video/7256770642639457537

Help the toys! Here’s a fun ice play idea where you can trap your favorite characters inside ice.

Every child has toys that are special to them or favorites they love, right? How about using those toys to make ice? To rescue the toys trapped in a frozen world, kids will likely focus on melting the ice.

Try it in a way that’s enjoyable and safe for your child, and make the most of those hot summer days.