Lovely childcare

[Preschool] Cute to Make! A Collection of Valentine’s Craft Ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

February 14 is Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, there’s a tradition where women give chocolate to someone they like, but recently it’s been shifting toward giving gifts or messages to family and friends as a way to express gratitude.

I think more and more preschools are enjoying the Valentine’s atmosphere as well.

This article introduces Valentine-themed craft ideas for early childhood education.

It’s a collection of ideas you can make with familiar materials like origami paper and recycled items!

Enjoy making Valentine’s crafts together with the children.

Wishing you a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

Because the items children make are treated as “works,” we use the term “seisaku (制作: production/work)” in the text.

[Childcare] Cute to make! Valentine’s craft ideas (51–60)

Cane card

[Valentine’s Craft] Easy with a straw and yarn! How to make a “magical (majestically ‘ste-cki’)” message card! [Ashitaba Channel]

Cane card

Message cards made with decorative sticks, often called “wands,” are also a great idea! You’ll need colored construction paper, a straw, yarn, scissors, glue, and a hole punch.

If you also buy sequins—small items that reflect light—the finished result will look even nicer.

First, fold the colored paper into quarters and cut it.

When you unfold it, it will be clover-shaped, and you can write your message there.

Next, wrap yarn around the straw and decorate it with heart-shaped colored paper.

Finally, the teacher can use the hole punch and glue to attach the wand and the message card, and it’s complete!

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A letter of the heart

[Easy Origami] How to Fold a Cute “Heart Letter” from One Sheet [Origami by a Social Worker – Easy to Make Origami]

A letter of the heart

Some of you may want to give a message card as a token of your appreciation.

But a regular message card can feel a bit dull, right? That’s why I’d like to suggest a heart-shaped letter.

It’s a message card in the shape of a heart.

When you pull the two semicircular sides, the center part opens and the message card appears.

If you use origami paper, it will be about palm-sized, but with a larger sheet, you can make it the size of a regular letter.

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Heart origami

[In the spirit of Valentine’s Day ❤️] Let’s make a “heart” with origami!

Heart origami

With Valentine’s Day approaching, some teachers and kids are making all sorts of plans.

Whatever you have in mind, an origami heart is sure to come in handy.

This is a simple project: folding a heart out of origami paper.

But it’s versatile in many situations—for example, decorating a wall, attaching to a box of chocolates or a letter, and you can even write a message directly on it.

The structure is simple and quick to fold, so try making lots of them!

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Marble Message Card

[A Must-See for Preschool Teachers!] Valentine’s Craft: Message Cards Made with Marbles #Shorts

Marble Message Card

Shiny marbles that roll with lively energy are a top-recommended item for childcare workers because kids love them.

Making message cards using those marbles is sure to be an activity children enjoy! The method is a bit unique: cut an empty tissue box in half.

Then place a few marbles colored with various paints or inks inside, and roll them around so they move evenly across the surface.

This creates a dynamic, intriguing design.

After that, just add a message and give it—super simple, right?

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fake sweets

Parfait making and Valentine’s crafts

fake sweets

Sweet treats like chocolate take center stage on Valentine’s Day, don’t they? Faux sweets made from paper clay and colored paper are a standout gift that will make people think you have great taste! This time, I’ll explain how to make a parfait.

Here’s how: knead red paper clay to form the base of the parfait, place it in a clear cup, then decorate the sides of the cup with thin strips of colored paper to create the look of fruit sauce.

Finally, drizzle white silicone cream on top like whipped cream, add a strawberry decoration, and you’re done.

Just like that, you’ll have an easy yet authentic-looking creation!

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