Lovely childcare

[May] A collection of craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds

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.

May has pleasant weather, and it somehow makes you feel excited, doesn’t it?

The five-year-olds, now the oldest in the class, may have settled down a bit since moving up a level.

May is also known for events like Children’s Day and Mother’s Day, so we’d love for you to try activities and crafts themed around these occasions and the month of May.

This time, we’ve gathered a variety of fun ideas using different materials and techniques.

These are ideas that five-year-olds will feel motivated to tackle precisely because of their age, so please give them a try.

Because the children’s creations are treated as works (art pieces), we use the term “seisaku” (制作) in the text.

[May] A collection of craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds (51–60)

Smile Flower

@job_it
Celebration! Our collaboration with Lion-sensei has begun!! With 72,000 Instagram followers, applause! This is the first collaborative video with “Lion-sensei 🦁,” who shares tons of helpful crafts for childcare workers. This time, it’s perfect for spring: the Smile Flower! Here’s what you’ll need: • Construction paper in your favorite colors or patterns • Scissors • Double-sided tape Give it a try and make one too!Sommelier of Childcare #nursery_teacher_job_change #NurseryTeacherThings Nursery teacher / Childcare worker Kindergarten Teacher #Kindergarten #KindergartenThings Intent Survey #IWantToQuitDaycare Principal (of a kindergarten)Job change activities Career change consultation Career Advisor Job change things everyone relates to #JobChange #NurseryTeacherMade #Childcare Crafting #Production Video
♬ Berry Fairy – Dalkom Sounds

Let me introduce a smile flower you can make out of construction paper, featuring an adorable smiling face.

Prepare several colors of construction paper, double-sided tape, scissors, and colored pens.

Cut nine circles out of the construction paper and fold each one in half.

Using colorful paper is recommended because it makes the finished piece look more vibrant.

Apply double-sided tape to the upper back side of each piece, then stick all nine together to form a sphere.

Gently press it open to flatten it into a flower shape.

Once the flower shape is formed, attach circular pieces to the front and back as the flower’s center, and draw the facial expression.

Roll a strip of construction paper to make the stem, attach it along with some leaves, and you’re done.

It’s also fun to play with the colors and arrangement for a unique look.

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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!

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Magnet and fabric sticking play

https://www.tiktok.com/@nagoya_kodomo/video/7119471763578244353

It’s fun how they stick with a snap! Here are some ideas for magnet-and-fabric sticking play.

Let’s make fabric toys that even infants can enjoy! You’ll need fabric or felt, magnets, fabric adhesive, needles, and thread.

If you create popular characters or illustrations from picture books with fabric or felt, children will be captivated! Sew magnets into each piece, and they’ll snap together so kids can play over and over.

Please be very careful to prevent accidental swallowing of magnets.

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Kashiwa-mochi castanets

[Handmade Instruments] With Paper Clay! Kashiwa Mochi Castanets [Children’s Day Craft]

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!

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Koinobori Kendama

[Children’s Day Craft] How to Make a Paper Cup “Koinobori Kendama”

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!

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