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 (21–30)

For Mother’s Day crafts! A bouquet of carnations

[Craft Idea] Carnation Bouquet (Mother’s Day in May) (Wall Decorations, Activities for the Elderly, Occupational Therapy OT, Day Service, Childcare) (Origami DIY, Original Creation)

For Mother’s Day crafts! A bouquet of carnations

Here’s how to make a carnation using origami.

Prepare two 15 cm sheets of red origami paper and crumple each into a ball once to add texture.

After the wrinkles form, open them up and fold both sheets into quarters (twice into a square).

With the corner that will be the center of the flower positioned at the top left, roundly cut the edge from the bottom right toward the top left.

Use pinking shears to make a zigzag edge.

Once cut, pleat the side opposite the zigzag edge, and stack three layers to complete the flower! Combine it with a stem and leaves made from construction paper to finish the carnation.

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Handmade coaster

[For Nursery and Kindergarten] Fail-proof!? Easy and Cute Family Day Craft 🌈 “Make Your Own Handmade Coasters!!”

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.

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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 City Child Development Support After-school day service Nursery teacher / Childcare worker work #StayAtHomeSquad
♬ Take me (feat. reina) – voquote Remix – Snowk & voquote

Fascinated by the mysteries of light? Let me share some sparkling sun catcher ideas.

Sun catchers are decorative items that reflect or refract sunlight to create beautiful light patterns.

They’re often made with crystal glass or mineral parts, but this time, let’s make one using liquid glue.

You’ll need a candy lid, liquid glue, your favorite beads, water-based color pens, and string.

Some kids might even find themselves opening the door to the wonders of light, thinking, “Why does that happen?”

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Koinobori binoculars

[Kindergarten/Preschool] May Koinobori Binoculars Craft

Koinobori binoculars

Hidden discoveries are waiting in the everyday scenery! Here’s an idea for a carp streamer binoculars craft.

When you think of Children’s Day, many people probably picture carp streamers, right? This time, let’s make a playful toy with a carp streamer motif! You’ll need: toilet paper rolls, red and blue origami paper, paint, gold origami paper cut into eighths, a hole punch, string, glue, and scissors.

Once your carp streamer binoculars are finished, grab them and set off on an adventure!

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Sparkly Helmet

[Kindergarten/Daycare] Sparkling Kabuto (samurai helmet) Craft for May

Sparkly Helmet

Wear your very own special item! Here are some ideas for a sparkly samurai helmet.

Let’s make one out of newspaper! We’ll show you ideas for a glittery helmet.

May means Children’s Day, right? Many preschools and households decorate with helmets (kabuto) and carp streamers (koinobori), don’t they? This time, the ideas are for helmets you can not only display but also wear, so take this opportunity to give it a try.

What you’ll need: origami paper, round stickers, square stickers, mirror tape, construction paper cut into circles, scissors, glue, crayons, and double-sided tape.

Use shiny tape, stickers, and origami paper.

Wearing your own original sparkly helmet will make the memories even more special.

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Twisting Soap Bubbles

[Preschool Teacher] Easy Handmade Toy! How to Make a Spinning Bubble Wand [Daycare/Kindergarten]

Twisting Soap Bubbles

Make and play! Here’s an idea for unbreakable, twirling soap bubbles.

You’ll need holographic origami paper, round stickers, a straw, scissors, reinforcement ring stickers, a bamboo skewer, and tape.

First, cut the holographic origami paper into 5 mm strips and attach eight strips to a round sticker.

Cut four slits in the straw and apply a reinforcement ring sticker.

After adhering the straw and holographic paper together, thread them onto the bamboo skewer.

Tape the top in place, and you’re done!

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3D strawberries and a basket

Strawberry Craft: A Preschool Teacher Explains How to Make a 3D Strawberry with a Basket (For Ages 3–5)

3D strawberries and a basket

Let’s make strawberries, a fruit that brings the feeling of spring, and a basket to put them in! Beforehand, the teacher should cut strawberry shapes, leaves and calyxes, and vine shapes out of construction paper.

Don’t forget to add a slit from the calyx side toward the middle on the strawberry-shaped pieces.

Have the children add accordion folds to the leaf-shaped paper to create leaf veins.

Combine two strawberry-shaped pieces to make a 3D strawberry, then glue on the calyx and vine.

After that, draw the strawberry seeds and the strawberry is done! Next, crumple a piece of construction paper to give it wrinkles and attach it to a paper plate in the shape of a handle to complete the basket.

You can also use these for pretend play, like mimicking strawberry picking!

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