Lovely childcare

[Childcare] May events and activities at nursery schools and kindergartens

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

May is full of events themed around nature and growth!

While enjoying the fresh greenery of the season, here are various ideas for celebrating with children in childcare settings.

May also includes Children’s Day.

It’s a great opportunity to celebrate children’s growth and deepen communication between adults and kids.

Be sure to enjoy the warm days of May together with the children.

Through fun events, may both children and adults spend a spring full of smiles!

[Childcare] May Events & Activities at Nurseries and Kindergartens (21–30)

Making curry and rice

We recommend making curry rice with spring vegetables.

Enjoy seasonal produce like new onions and new potatoes.

Use vegetables brimming with spring sweetness and cook together with the kids.

Since you’ll be using knives and other tools, it’s best to let the children take the lead as much as possible.

For children aged 1 to 2, have them help by tearing spring cabbage or red leaf lettuce for a salad—that’s a great task for them.

Be sure to try cooking with spring vegetables!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Spring Traffic Safety

"Let's follow rules and manners": kindergarteners make a traffic safety declaration

Spring Traffic Safety

Let’s Follow Traffic Rules! Here are ideas for spring traffic safety.

These fun activities help children learn about traffic rules and carry out awareness campaigns in towns and shopping centers.

They’ll learn the importance of obeying traffic signals and pedestrian rules, and actually encourage people by saying, “Please use the crosswalk!” Through these activities, children can heighten their awareness of traffic safety and make a positive impact on the community.

As a variation, you can also assign rotating roles within the school to lead the awareness calls.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s try growing vegetables

[Age 4] Start here! Let’s try growing vegetables! | Certified Kodomoen Sendan Kindergarten

Let's try growing vegetables

Nurture life and learn the importance of food! Here are some ideas for trying your hand at growing vegetables.

It’s a wonderful way to show children how fascinating nature is and why food matters.

By growing vegetables like eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, they can watch the thrilling process as seeds sprout and leaves grow larger.

Harvesting and eating the vegetables they raised themselves brings joy and fosters gratitude for food.

With their hands in the soil, it becomes a lovely learning time that helps them feel connected to nature.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Children’s Day

Children’s Day Assembly

Children's Day

Also known as Tango no Sekku, Children’s Day is a traditional event cherished by the Japanese.

It celebrates children’s healthy growth and expresses hopes for their continued well-being.

You might make items inspired by May dolls or carp streamers, or prepare and enjoy chimaki and kashiwa-mochi.

Since it is also meant to show appreciation to parents, giving letters or small gifts is another nice idea.

Let’s liven up your nursery or kindergarten by hosting events—decorate rooms with garlands and ornaments, and enjoy a meal together!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Ice Cream Day

[For 2-year-olds] Let's pretend to be an ice cream shop and play!

Ice Cream Day

Let’s help children discover the fun of crafts by pretending to be ice cream shop owners! Since Ice Cream Day is set for May 9, this is perfect for kindergartens and nurseries holding events in May.

Children roll up origami or construction paper to make ice cream in their favorite flavors.

Then they play by putting their creations into prepared cups or paper boxes.

They can split into shop staff and customers and enjoy role-playing like a make-believe game.

Try this activity to encourage communication among friends who have just enrolled or moved up to a new class.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nursery class observation

May 12, 2017 Nursery/Daycare Observation (Indoors)

Nursery class observation

A nursery observation day where parents can see how their children spend time at the preschool.

It’s nice not only to observe scenes from the children’s day, but also to have parents join activities they can do together with their child.

You’ll be soothed by the children enjoying songs and dances with friends and sharing meals, and you may discover sides of them that differ from their everyday behavior.

It can also be a chance for not only the children but the parents to build closer relationships with one another.

This event not only lets you record their adorable moments on video, but also notice what they’re interested in and curious about.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

birthday party

R040426 Suzu April–May Birthday Party Interview ①

birthday party

A birthday party to celebrate a special anniversary that comes once a year.

The children whose birthdays are being celebrated are the stars, and the teachers and classmates join in the festivities.

You can incorporate various ideas, such as performing songs and dances or trying a play.

Prepare gifts and performances to celebrate the children born in May.

It’s also nice to interview the birthday child and have them talk about themselves.

This event puts the spotlight on each child, wishing that the coming year will be even better for them.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem