![[Childcare] Age-by-age watermelon craft ideas](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/79B2n_fDtLQ/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Age-by-age watermelon craft ideas
What we want to make in summer is, of course, watermelon-themed crafts.
Because the activities kids can handle vary by age and developmental stage, many teachers struggle to find suitable ideas.
So this time, we’ve put together watermelon craft ideas by age group.
We’ve collected a variety of ideas—from things you can display and enjoy to items you can use and play with—so you’re sure to find the one that makes you say, “This is it!”
It’s also great for teachers to join in, make their own, and show them to each other.
Let’s create unique, personality-filled watermelons and power through the hot summer with energy.
[Childcare] Age-specific watermelon craft ideas (1–10)
[Ages 2 and up] Wobbly Watermelon made with a paper plate
![[Ages 2 and up] Wobbly Watermelon made with a paper plate](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/79B2n_fDtLQ/sddefault.jpg)
How about making a wobbling watermelon with just one paper plate? Here’s what you need: a white paper plate, scissors, glue, red construction or origami paper, pens, and crayons.
In advance, the teacher cuts the red paper to fit the center of the paper plate.
The children glue it onto the plate.
Next, color the rim of the plate with a green pen or crayon.
Fold the plate in half, making a firm crease.
Finally, draw seeds with a black pen—and you’re done! Give it a gentle tap with your finger and enjoy the softly rocking watermelon!
[Ages 5 and up] Watermelon-themed wind chime
![[Ages 5 and up] Watermelon-themed wind chime](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zEoW3MixZQ4/sddefault.jpg)
This is a watermelon wind chime made from origami, with a cool, swaying look when the wind blows.
You’ll need origami paper, glue, and string.
First, make the top part with green origami paper.
Folding it in half and creasing the lines are great steps to do with children.
Please have the teacher make a hole in the center using an awl.
Next, use red origami paper to make a ring to hold the band.
After assembling those, make the tanzaku (hanging strip).
Attach the top of the wind chime and the tanzaku with string, and your wind chime is complete.
You can also write your wishes on the tanzaku!
[Ages 3 and up] A watermelon origami that kids can fold by themselves
https://www.instagram.com/p/CebKK7WphqH/This is an easy watermelon origami that even around 3-year-olds can make.
Prepare a sheet of green origami paper and a slightly smaller sheet of red origami paper in advance.
First, fold the green paper into a triangle.
Fold back a small triangle along the bottom edge.
Fold back both ends into even smaller triangles.
Fold the red paper the same way, then layer it so the top edges line up perfectly.
Draw seeds with a black pen, and it’s done.
It’s nice how cute it turns out with such a simple method!
[Ages 3 and up] A fun interactive watermelon craft
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf6HkelLqHZ/The surprise watermelon that changes appearance when you spin it around is fun even after you finish making it.
First, color the rim of a paper plate with a green crayon.
On another paper plate, draw a watermelon pattern in black.
Next, put paint on a sponge and make a resist painting.
Teachers, please adjust the amount of water so the paint resists well.
Once it’s dry, use fingertip stamping to pop on the seeds.
Finally, cut a slit to the center of the paper plate and glue the two plates together.
The way the picture changes when you shift it feels mysterious, and the children are sure to get absorbed in playing with it.
[Ages 4+] Watermelon-themed lantern decoration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfwReHfJUen/A three-dimensional watermelon lantern is perfect for decorating during the Obon season.
You’ll need origami or colored paper, scissors, glue, and tape.
First, fold a green sheet of origami paper in half.
Place it horizontally and fold back a 1 cm margin along the edge.
Apply green tape over this folded margin.
Next, on the folded (looped) side of the paper, make cuts about 1 cm apart up to the folded margin.
Open it up, insert a red inner core sheet with black seeds drawn on it in the center, and wrap it around with the green paper to finish.
Feel free to draw watermelon stripes or patterns with a black pen as you like.
[Ages 3+] Watermelon Bag for Pretend Play
![[Ages 3+] Watermelon Bag for Pretend Play](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-ULM8JU3bYs/sddefault.jpg)
A cool and stylish watermelon bag you can sling over your shoulder.
Color the center of a white paper plate with a red marker and the rim with a green marker.
Next, the teacher makes a slit in the center with a craft knife.
The key point is the seeds: roll up bits of toothpick to create a rounded, three-dimensional look.
Attach them with glue or adhesive, then fold the plate in half.
Punch one hole at each end with a hole punch, thread a string through, and your handbag is complete.
Enjoy the excitement of “What should I put inside?” too!
Wall Art Activity with Watermelons (Ages 3–5)
This watermelon craft lets you enjoy fun details like fingertip seed stamps and a pipe-cleaner stem.
First, cut the red origami paper into a half-circle.
Next, fold the green origami paper in half and cut it into many small rectangles.
Glue the green rectangles along the straight edge of the red half-circle to make a watermelon.
For the seeds, dip your fingertip in black paint and stamp them on.
For another watermelon, cut the green origami paper into a circle and paint the watermelon rind pattern with black paint.
Bend a pipe cleaner to make a stem and glue it to the top.
It’s also fun to stick your finished watermelons onto a backing sheet wherever you like!