May: Craft Ideas That Excite 4-Year-Olds!
May is the time when the new school year settles down a bit and the weather is perfect for enjoyable outdoor activities.
Four-year-olds are surely excited about the new season, too.
May also includes Children’s Day and Mother’s Day, making it a great time to deepen learning about traditional events.
In this article, we’ll introduce May craft ideas you’ll want to enjoy with four-year-olds.
Four-year-olds are increasingly energetic.
Let’s incorporate ideas that not only involve making crafts, but also add twists to the process and allow children to play with what they create.
Because items made by children are treated as works of art, we use the term “制作 (seisaku),” meaning “creation/work,” rather than “製作,” in the text.
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[May] Exciting Crafts for 4-Year-Olds! May Craft Idea Collection (21–30)
Sunny with occasional clouds painted in watercolors
The key is dynamic creation! Here are ideas for painting “Sunny with occasional clouds” using paints.
There are many days with a bright, cheerful sun, but the rainy season is about to begin as well.
Since many children are interested in the weather at this time of year, let’s try a dynamic painting activity of “sunny with occasional clouds” using paints.
Prepare three sheets of white drawing paper, colored construction paper, paints, a thick brush, and crayons.
This bold project is sure to be exciting both while making it and when it’s on display! Give it a try.
bag-style accessory case
Make it with a clear file folder and paper plates! Here’s an idea for a small pouch that looks like a handbag.
It’s perfect for yourself, and also recommended as a gift for Mother’s Day or Family Day.
You’ll need paper plates, a hole punch, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), beads, a clear file folder, scissors, and double-sided tape.
If you place carnations made from the children’s handprints in the finished piece, it will make an even more wonderful gift.
Take this opportunity to give it a try!
[May] Exciting May Craft Ideas for 4-Year-Olds (31–40)
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!
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!
Koinobori Kendama
Recommended for Children’s Day events! Here’s an idea for a carp streamer kendama.
May brings Children’s Day, doesn’t it? Many of you may be celebrating at your preschool or at home.
Take this opportunity to make a carp streamer kendama.
You’ll need paper cups, twine, copy paper, washi tape, round stickers, clear tape, scissors, and glue.
The ease of gathering the materials is part of this idea’s appeal.
Try making and playing with this carp streamer kendama!
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.
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!