Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Recommended crafts and activities for March, such as Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Festival) and cherry blossoms

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.

March, when you can feel spring arriving.

The warm, sunny spring weather naturally lifts the spirits, doesn’t it?

This time, we’ve gathered recommended craft ideas perfect for March.

From events like Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) and graduation ceremonies to seasonal themes such as cherry blossoms, butterflies, and strawberries, there are plenty of ideas that capture the feeling of spring!

Before you start making things, we recommend going on a walk with the children to see and touch the charming spring plants and insects unique to the season.

It will surely expand their image of spring and help them create wonderful works!

Display what you make around the room and fully enjoy the spring atmosphere.

Because items made by children are treated as “works,” we refer to them as “seisaku (制作)” in the text.

[Childcare] Recommended craft activities for March, such as Hinamatsuri and cherry blossoms (11–20)

A cherry blossom tree made with torn-paper collage

Cherry blossoms are the quintessential spring flowers—almost their synonym.

How about incorporating a torn-paper collage to create a cherry tree? Start by making the trunk on colored construction paper, then draw plenty of branches on top with crayons.

The more branches, the better.

Next, tear pieces of paper and glue them over the branches—mix pink origami, patterned origami, tissue paper, and other colors and textures for a fun, vibrant finish.

Adding little butterflies and other details around it would make it even cuter.

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March · Handprint/Footprint Craft

[Rainbow Art] Introducing 3 Types of March Handprint Crafts!! ~For 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-Year-Olds~ [Nursery School/Kindergarten]

March · Handprint/Footprint Craft

The ticklish, fun feeling of painting their hands is sure to get kids excited! If you keep a handprint craft each year as a record of their growth, their families will love it too.

To make it, simply cut out the handprint along its outline and paste it onto a backing sheet along with other parts.

Prepare methods suited to the children’s ages and abilities—for example, pasting pre-cut parts prepared by the teacher, drawing their own pictures, or using a sponge with paint to stamp and create a rainbow.

You’ll also catch a glimpse of each child’s individuality through their use of color, making it an enjoyable time for teachers as well.

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Puchi-puchi butterfly

When spring comes, don’t you find butterflies more often even in the kindergarten yard? Let’s make butterflies that herald spring using bubble wrap as cushioning material! We’ll use bubble wrap to create the butterfly wings.

Cut the bubble wrap into a rectangle and draw butterfly patterns on it with a permanent marker.

It’s easier to draw on the flat back side rather than the bumpy side.

Pinch and tightly tie the center with a chenille stem (pipe cleaner), then make the butterfly’s body and face with colored construction paper and stick them on to finish.

Try making the antennae with a chenille stem as well.

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Pencil holder as a preschool graduation gift

Many kindergartens may prepare gifts from current pupils to those who are graduating.

How about incorporating the making of a pencil holder, which is perfect as a graduation present? Use paper tubes, empty snack containers, or paper cups, and decorate the surface with torn-paper collage to create a colorful pencil holder.

Using various types of paper—construction paper, origami paper, wrapping paper, tissue paper, or chiyogami—makes the tearing sensations enjoyable in different ways.

Add a border of felt balls and attach a message card as a finishing touch.

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[Easy Origami] Ladybug

Origami 'Ladybug' [Easy] [Ages 3 and up] [Craft]

[Easy Origami] Ladybug

A ladybug made from origami is a perfect spring craft for when all kinds of creatures are waking up.

Since you can make it without using scissors or other tools, it’s easy for younger children to try.

It’s also fun to personalize—add the ladybug’s spots with black stickers, draw the face however you like, and more.

If you fold other insects or plants from origami and combine them, it becomes even more colorful.

This simple project is easy to do not only in early childhood settings but also in care facilities.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Hinamatsuri mobile

[Craft Play] A cute Hina Matsuri mobile you can make with everyday materials

Hinamatsuri mobile

Colorful mobiles are perfect for making your Hinamatsuri party more festive.

A mobile is a hanging decoration suspended from the ceiling, and its gentle swaying and spinning in the breeze make it especially charming.

Let’s handcraft a mobile with a Hinamatsuri theme.

Recommended motifs include cherry blossoms, the fan held by the hina dolls, and temari balls, which carry the wish for children to “grow big and strong.” To make it stand out as it twirls, create the elements in three dimensions for an even lovelier result.

Once everything is finished, connect the motifs with yarn and hang your mobile from the ceiling!

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[Childcare] Recommended craft activities for March, such as Hinamatsuri and cherry blossoms (21–30)

Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

[Spring Craft] How to Make Strawberries with Cotton Swab Stamps! [Ages 2 and up] (ASMR-style video)

Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

Let’s make a strawberry wall decoration that looks so delicious you’ll want to eat it! We’ll use cotton swabs to represent the seeds on the strawberry’s surface.

Dip the tip of a cotton swab in yellow paint and dab it directly onto the strawberry—it’s an easy way to draw the seeds.

Even children who find it difficult to hold a pen correctly can experience the feeling of drawing if you help them grip the cotton swab together.

Plus, since it’s not sharp like a pen, it’s a bit safer.

If you prepare the strawberry shapes in advance using construction paper, the kids will be happily absorbed in painting the seeds!

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