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

Creative play with colored water and droppers

Shaping play with colored water and droppers (from 18 months old; children with developmental disabilities can enjoy it together)

This is an art activity where you drip colored water onto washi paper using a dropper.

We recommend using a stronger type of washi than regular calligraphy paper.

It’s helpful to prepare a backing board in advance by wrapping a piece of cardboard with plastic.

Put paint in an egg carton, then use the dropper to drip the paint onto the washi paper.

Fold it into a size that’s easy for children to hold, then unfold it to finish! You can fold the paper into a square or a triangle—either is fine.

Some children may feel uneasy about the colors mixing, so show them a sample and reassure them by saying, “It’s okay if the colors mix!”

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Puni Puni Fruit

Looks just like the real thing! You can even peel the skin♪ I tried making a squishy fruit assortment [Oni Pita] DIY Fruits Squishy with Nano Tape 🍇🍉🍌🍓

They look just like the real thing! Here are some ideas for squishy, jiggly fruits.

Have you heard of nano tape? It’s a kind of tape with super strong adhesion that can be reused, and it’s apparently great for kitchens and DIY projects.

Let’s use this amazing nano tape to make squeezies.

In the video, bananas, watermelons, strawberries, and grapes are recreated to look glossy and bouncy, making you want to craft them with your kids.

Definitely give it a try!

cute pineapple toy

Here’s how to make a cute pineapple toy using a candy container! Use an empty cylindrical candy box that matches the size of a pool noodle.

Insert a yellow pool noodle inside, then cut it to the width that suits a pineapple shape.

It already looks pineapple-like at this point, but you can add the pineapple pattern by scoring it with a nail or a thin stick.

Finally, decorate the candy case to look like a tin can using fabric scraps or wrapping paper—and you’re done! It’s perfect for pretend play or playing shop.

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The Ferris wheel spinning round and round

Let me introduce a water-play friendly, spinning Ferris wheel craft.

Gather pool noodles, a milk carton, wooden chopsticks, plastic spoons, and a utility knife, and let’s make it.

First, cut the milk carton to create the base on which the Ferris wheel will rotate.

Next, take a piece of cut pool noodle and make six evenly spaced slits along its side.

Insert plastic spoons into the slits with the handles pointing inward.

Thread a chopstick through the center, set it onto the milk carton base, and it’s complete.

Attach gashapon capsules to the plastic spoons to transform it into a Ferris wheel.

By keeping the balance even, the Ferris wheel will spin smoothly.

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Balance tree of pool cue sticks

Let me introduce an exciting, heart-pounding balance tree made from pool noodles.

Get your materials ready: a pool noodle, a utility knife, plastic bottle caps, stickers, tape, and a paper cup.

Cut the pool noodle in half and make slits where the branches will fit.

Since you’ll be cutting with a utility knife, it’s best to start with small cuts and gradually adjust to the size you need.

Take the remaining half of the pool noodle, slice it lengthwise to create the branches.

Fit the trunk into the paper cup, insert the branches, and you’re done.

Try placing a spinning top—made by stacking two plastic bottle caps together with their indented sides facing each other—on it and enjoy the wobbly balance tree!

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Pool cue air cannon

Let me introduce an air cannon made from a pool noodle that you can complete in no time.

Prepare a pool noodle, a balloon, a pom-pom ball, and vinyl tape, and let’s get started.

Cut the pool noodle, tie a knot at the mouth of the balloon, and then cut the top part of the balloon horizontally with scissors, leaving more material on the bottom section.

Fit the cut balloon onto the end of the pool noodle and secure it firmly with vinyl tape so it won’t come off—now it’s ready.

To launch, place a pom-pom ball inside and pull back on the balloon section, then aim upward and release.

The steps are simple, so it’s also recommended for busy teachers.

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penguin

[Summer Origami] Easy Penguin Folding with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami: How to Easily Fold a Penguin — Decorations for July and August

Here’s how to make a penguin from a single sheet of origami paper.

First, fold the paper into a triangle and crease well.

Then fold the top edge down to meet the crease you just made.

As you fold the body and flippers, keep an eye on the left-right balance to make a neat finish.

Adjust the proportions, like the roundness of the head and body, and you’re done.

Finally, color in and draw the eyes and beak to make your penguin even cuter.

Try making this three-dimensional, summery penguin!

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