[May] Have Fun with 3-Year-Olds! Craft Ideas Perfect for May
By May, three-year-olds may be gradually getting used to their new school year.
Since the weather is pleasant, it’s a great time to actively incorporate outdoor activities.
May is also marked by events like Children’s Day and Mother’s Day, so in this article we’ll introduce crafts related to these occasions, as well as craft ideas you can enjoy outdoors.
Find ideas that suit your class’s atmosphere, interests, and curiosities.
Let’s enjoy making things together with the children!
Because the things children create are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (制作) in the text.
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[May] Have fun with 3-year-olds! Craft ideas perfect for May (11–20)
Lantern-style memo stand
The translucent look is beautiful! Here’s an idea for a memo stand that resembles a lantern.
May brings events like Mother’s Day and Family Day, right? This is a recommended idea for those wondering what to make with kids this year.
What you’ll need: plastic cups, colored cellophane or transparent origami paper, glue, a craft knife, and construction paper cut into heart shapes.
Decorate the plastic cups with the cut pieces of colored cellophane or transparent origami.
Make slits and draw messages or portraits on the heart-shaped construction paper—it turns out super cute!
Carnations made with paper towels
Let’s use paper towels you have at home to create vibrant carnations.
In this idea, a two-ply paper towel is separated into single layers and then cut into quarters, but feel free to adjust the volume as you like.
Once you’ve prepared the paper towels, stack them and accordion-fold them, then tie the center with a rubber band to hold it in place.
Next, color the edges on both ends with a water-based marker, separate the layers one by one to shape the flower, and add vertical lines to the petals.
Finally, mist with water to let the ink bleed, and once it’s dry, attach a straw as the stem—and you’re done!
sensory koinobori
Fun to make for kids and adults alike! Here’s a recommended craft for making a koinobori (carp streamer).
First, put transparent origami paper or any parts you like into a clear plastic bag.
Next, add liquid laundry starch (or liquid glue) and seal the opening with clear tape.
Roll it into a tube and tape both ends to hold the shape.
Fix a koinobori frame with the center cut out onto the plastic using tape.
Apply double-sided tape around the edge, place another sheet on top to sandwich it, and finally add the eyes to finish! It also looks cute if you put kids’ favorite character stickers or illustrations inside.
Kashiwa Mochi and Swaying Kintaro
Cute as interior decor! Here are ideas for a Kashiwa-mochi and a wobbly Kintaro.
Kintaro is the strong boy who appears in Japanese legends.
He grew up playing with animals in the mountains, and the story where he wrestles a bear is especially famous—many children may have seen it in picture books.
Let’s make an adorable piece where Kintaro gently wobbles! You’ll need paper cups, colored construction paper, pipe cleaners, cloth tape, colored pens, a craft knife, scissors, and glue.
It also sounds fun to add your own twists as you make it!
Sparkling sun catcher
@info_habataki Hello! This is the Habataki Group. Today we’re introducing an easy-to-make Sparkling Sun Catcher. — Materials — • Candy lid • Liquid glue • Beads • Water-based markers • String — It’s simple to make! Hold it up to the sun to enjoy the sparkle, or use it as a decoration.Chiba CityChild Development SupportAfter-school day serviceNursery teacher / Childcare workerwork#StayAtHomeSquad
♬ Take me (feat. reina) – voquote Remix – Snowk & voquote
Let’s make a sparkling sun catcher with a candy lid and liquid glue! Here are some ideas to get you started.
A sun catcher is a decorative item that reflects light to create beautiful patterns.
They’re often made of glass or crystal, but this time we’ll try using liquid glue! What you’ll need: a candy lid, liquid glue, decorative materials like beads and glitter, an awl, and some string.
You can enjoy decorating with your favorite pieces, so it’s sure to spark kids’ creativity.
Kashiwa-mochi castanets
Let’s get crafting for Children’s Day! Here’s a fun idea for making Kashiwa Mochi castanets.
Many preschools and kindergartens probably sing children’s songs like “Koinobori” together during Children’s Day events, right? Let’s make Kashiwa Mochi castanets that will come in handy for those moments! You’ll need cardboard or a milk carton, green construction paper, white air-dry clay, buttons, colored pens, glue, craft adhesive, and scissors.
It’s a delightful, event-specific craft—give it a try!
[May] Have Fun with 3-Year-Olds! Craft Ideas Perfect for May (21–30)
Making bento (Japanese lunchbox)
Here’s a craft activity that’s perfect for a sunny day: making a bento lunch! The key is to prepare ingredients like rolled omelet, sausages, broccoli, and tomatoes ahead of time using construction paper or origami paper.
Making the rice balls together with the kids can add to the excitement.
Once you lay out the crafted ingredients on the table, start packing them into the bento box.
Letting children pack their own bento helps them think about what foods they like and how much will fit, making it a fun and engaging experience.
Taking your special bento box on a walk or outing is a delightful way to enjoy the season.
