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] Craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds (11–20)

Flower Magnet

[Kindergarten/Daycare] May Flower Magnet Gift Craft

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.

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Kashiwa Mochi and Swaying Kintaro

[Children’s Day] Kashiwa Mochi and Rocking Kintarō [Paper Cup Craft]

Kashiwa Mochi and Swaying Kintaro

Recommended crafts for Children’s Day! Here are ideas for making kashiwa-mochi and a wobbling Kintaro.

Kintaro is a famous hero from Japanese legends, well-loved in folktales, picture books, and songs.

He’s depicted as a boy with strength and courage, so many people might picture him as strong and cool.

This time, let’s make an adorable wobbling Kintaro craft! You’ll need a paper cup, colored construction paper, pipe cleaners, cloth tape, colored pens, a utility knife, scissors, and glue.

Give it a try!

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Pac-kun carp streamer kendama

Let's all make it together!! Pac-kun Koi-nobori Kendama♪

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!

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Tulip accessory case

@irodoriyoshiten
[Mother’s Day Craft] A tulip trinket box that’s easy to display either standing or hanging. Adding a face photo to the flower is also recommended! To purchase crafting items, please search for “Irodori Paper Shop” on minne / BASE. ⚮̈Poster Board Craft　#Nursery school　#Kindergarten　Children's center　After-school club　Childcare Plaza　support center　After-school day service #Wall Creation　wall display creation　Mother’s Day craft　#Mother's Day　#HomeCrafts　
♬ heartwarming everyday song(1370853) – Sumochi

Let’s use a paper cup to make a cute tulip trinket holder.

First, fold a green rectangular sheet of construction paper lengthwise in half.

Make cuts along the fold, then slightly offset and glue the layers together.

Attach this to the side of the paper cup to create the leaves.

Next, glue on the flower pieces you’ve cut from construction paper, add a chenille stem as a handle, and you’re done.

If you want the flower to look more vibrant, layer patterned origami paper on top.

Place a letter or a small gift in the cup and deliver it to someone special.

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Cute! Apron pouch

[Kindergarten/Preschool] Mother’s Day craft / easy / practical gift! How to make a cute trinket holder ♥

Cute! Apron pouch

When you think of moms, many of you probably picture an apron, right? It’s also a classic Mother’s Day gift! So let’s use an empty snack box to make a small apron-style organizer.

First, cut away the unnecessary parts of the box to create the storage section, and shape the front like an apron.

Then draw a pattern and glue on an apron cut from construction paper in the same shape.

Next, add a pocket made from a toilet paper roll, and decorate the sides of the box however you like—and it’s done! Give it to your mom as a present to show your everyday appreciation.

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Make it with things around you! Mother’s Day gift

@renamama_asobi
Carnations made from everyday items#AtHomePlay Parent-child play Handmade crafts #Mother's Day
♬ Happy bright happy orchestra – 3KTrack

Let’s make carnations using paper towels and a straw.

Prepare two sheets of paper towel, draw patterns with water-based pens, then mist water over them to create a bleeding effect.

The patterns will blur away, so anything is fine! Once the paper towels are dry, cut them into quarter-size pieces, stack them, and accordion-fold.

Tie the center with a rubber band, cut both ends into zigzags, then separate the layers one by one to form the petals.

Hold a straw to the base, secure it together with several petals using masking tape to make the stem, and you’ve got a perfect Mother’s Day gift!

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[May] A collection of craft ideas to try with 5-year-olds (21–30)

How to make an origami carnation

[Gift Craft] How to Make an Origami Carnation (Mother’s Day / May Craft) [Easy / Origami] Handmade Gift – Cute

How to make an origami carnation

Here’s an easy origami project.

In this idea, you’ll layer two sheets of origami paper to make the carnation’s bloom.

First, fold the paper in half twice to form a square.

Next, fold it into a triangle, then fold it narrower by aligning the triangle’s side with the base.

Now use scissors to cut off the excess at the top and trim the cut edge into a jagged pattern.

Snip about 5 mm off the bottom corner, which will be the center of the flower, then unfold it.

Make another piece the same way and layer them to create frilly petals.

Alternate mountain and valley folds along the creases to shape it.

Attach a stem and leaves made from another sheet of origami paper, and you’re done!

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