Lovely childcare

[For 2-Year-Olds] A Collection of Fun Craft Ideas to Make in May

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.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Two-year-olds are becoming able to enjoy activities that use their hands, and their range of interests expands significantly.

They’re also ready to take on more kinds of art projects.

May brings Children’s Day and Mother’s Day, making it an exciting season that sparks ideas about what to create.

Here are some fun craft ideas to enjoy with two-year-olds in May.

What will the children be drawn to, and how will they respond?

Thinking up ideas is exciting for teachers too, isn’t it?

Be sure to create wonderful pieces together with the children.

Because the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (production/work) in the text.

[Age 2] Fun Craft Ideas to Make in May (41–50)

[Handprint] Mother’s Day Bouquet Craft

[Handprints] From around age 1! A must-see Mother's Day craft for childcare workers #nursery #crafts #MothersDayGift #childcareIdeas #craft #diy

[Handprint] Mother's Day Bouquet Craft

Celebrate special occasions with a bouquet-style craft made from your child’s adorable handprints.

It’s a lovely idea that becomes a keepsake, turning the tiny handprints of 1- or 2-year-olds into flowers to form a bouquet.

First, stamp your child’s handprints on construction paper and cut them out with scissors.

Make the bouquet’s wrapping paper from a circle of colored paper, then arrange the flower stems evenly on that base and attach the handprint flowers.

Once the flowers are set, close the wrapping paper and decorate with a ribbon or add a message.

This handprint flower bouquet makes a gift that’s sure to delight on any special day.

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[Clay] Handprint Carnation

Clay carnations for Mother's Day

[Clay] Handprint Carnation

For Mother’s Day, how about giving a “Handprint Carnation” filled with gratitude? Make two round clay disks and press your child’s hands into them to create prints.

Before the clay dries, decorate around the handprints with beads or other embellishments.

Once the clay is dry, paint inside the handprints with red paint.

Attach a green-colored chopstick to resemble a stem, add a ribbon, and it’s done! If you’re concerned about the back, cut out a circle from a photo of your child or one of their drawings and stick it on.

Wrap it up and give it to someone you want to thank.

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[Handprint] Fun paint Koinobori (carp streamer)

Creation: 3 Koinobori Crafts for Children's Day [Nursery/Kindergarten]

[Handprint] Fun paint Koinobori (carp streamer)

Let’s use paint to make a handprint koinobori (carp streamer).

Prepare construction paper cut into the shape of a koinobori, then paint your hand and stamp the scale area.

Add small scales around it with fingertip stamps, and finish by attaching an eye made from paper.

While it’s fun to let children paint their own palms, for two-year-olds it might be better to prepare a paint pad in advance so they can easily get paint on their hands.

Don’t forget to have wet wipes ready for cleaning off the paint.

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In conclusion

We introduced May craft ideas for two-year-olds.

Creating pieces related to seasonal events offers a wonderful time that nurtures children’s curiosity and creativity.

The way they freely express themselves—sticking stickers with their hands, using paint—will surely become a valuable experience.

Through May crafts, we hope you enjoy a lovely time filled with children’s bright smiles.