[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 (41–50)
Goldfish Ran Away Made with Balloon Stamps
Let’s make a jar filled with candy! We’ll introduce an idea inspired by “The Runaway Goldfish,” created with balloon stamping.
Balloon stamping is a technique where you inflate a balloon, dab it in paint, and stamp it onto a base paper with a popping motion.
This time, let’s recreate a scene from the popular children’s picture book “The Runaway Goldfish” using balloon stamping.
What you’ll need: paint, brushes, water balloons, a paper goldfish and jar lid cut from construction paper, glue, scissors, white round stickers, and a pen.
You might find yourself getting lost in the charming little world you create.
Flower Magnet
Decorate your fridge or whiteboard with these flower magnets! Here are some ideas.
They’re also perfect for Mother’s Day gifts! You will need: white drawing paper cut into circles, tissue paper, two large and two small felt circles, two plastic bottle caps, two magnets, craft glue, electrical tape, scissors, and glue stick.
If you draw a portrait of your mom and give it together with the flower magnets, it’s a lovely way to show your appreciation.
Coffee filter carnation
Layer coffee filters to create beautiful petals! Here are some ideas for coffee filter carnations.
Coffee filters are commonly sold in white and brown, but this time we’ll use white filters for our project.
You’ll need coffee filters, toothpicks, tape, floral tape, water-based markers, and a dropper.
Once your coffee filter carnation is complete, try placing it in a box and giving it as a gift.
Pac-kun carp streamer kendama
Let’s make and play with a kendama using a milk carton! Here’s an idea for a “Pak-kun Koinobori” kendama.
When you think of Children’s Day, many people picture koinobori carp streamers, right? This time, let’s create a playful, make-it-yourself toy with a koinobori motif! You’ll need a milk carton, a 50 cm length of string, scissors, cellophane tape, colored construction paper, and a pen.
It’s a unique kendama that looks like a koinobori is “chomping” on a rice ball! Give it a try!
Interactive card made with masking tape
Handmade, one-of-a-kind cards are delightful! Here are some ideas for interactive cards made with washi tape.
Washi tape is extremely popular with children.
Compared to regular tape or stickers, its adhesive is weaker, so it can be stuck on and peeled off with little force—making it safe for kids to use freely on their own.
By adding interactive elements to an original card, you can bring even more joy and surprise.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
Handmade coaster
A perfect gift for Family Day! Here are some ideas for handmade coasters.
Many childcare centers may set Family Day as a time to express gratitude not only to dads and moms but also to any guardians who spend time with the children.
This time, let’s make handmade coasters that can be used at home! You’ll need permanent markers, rubbing alcohol or 90% ethanol, tiles, a waterproof finishing spray, and decorative materials like glitter.
Work indoors in a well-ventilated area and make sure to keep the space properly ventilated while you create.
Wet-on-wet painting: Colorful Koinobori (carp streamers)
Let’s try expressing a koi-nobori (carp streamer) with a bleeding/transfer painting technique.
Draw patterns on aluminum foil with water-based markers and mist it with water.
Then place a piece of construction paper cut into a koi-nobori shape on top, and the colors will transfer onto the paper.
Since fine details won’t come through, simple, bold patterns are fine.
Using several colors creates a pretty, marble-like effect.
Attach an eye made from construction paper or a sticker to finish the koi-nobori.
Afterward, there will be colored water left on the aluminum foil, so be careful not to flip it over.
