Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Feel May! A special feature of fun craft ideas to make

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.
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, with its warm and refreshing breezes, is full of exciting events for children!

Many teachers may be thinking about creating crafts that capture the feeling of the season.

In this article, we’ll introduce recommended craft projects for May.

We’ve gathered plenty of fun ideas you’ll want to make—from event-themed crafts to insects and fruits seen in May, as well as vividly colored plants.

Feel free to adapt the activities to match children’s interests and curiosity, and enjoy making them together.

Because the pieces children create are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (production/work) in the text.

[Childcare] Feel May! A special feature of fun craft ideas to make (21–30)

ladybug

Origami 'Ladybug' [Easy] [Ages 3 and up] [Craft]

ladybug

Ladybugs are adorable with their red backs and black polka dots, and they’re popular with kids too.

Here’s a simple origami ladybug that even preschoolers can try.

First, fold a red sheet of origami paper in half to make a triangle, then fold both sides in toward the center.

Next, lift just the top layer at the tip to reveal a peek of white for the face.

Fold the remaining three corners in slightly, and the basic ladybug shape is already done.

After that, stick on some black dot stickers and enjoy chatting as you go: “How many spots should we make?” “Should we make it a seven-spotted ladybug?”

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Sticky Felt Balloon

Here’s an idea for making balloons that make the most of felt’s soft, fluffy texture.

First, cut light blue construction paper into a balloon shape.

Next, cut felt in three colors into triangles or squares.

Finally, use wood glue to attach the felt pieces onto the balloon and make a handle with yarn—that’s it! It’s also cute to display the balloons as if animals or characters are holding them.

Adjust tasks like cutting the paper and using scissors according to the children’s age and developmental stage.

Besides felt, it’s also fun to try various materials like ribbons and beads to decorate the balloons.

Give it a try for inspiration!

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caterpillar

How to make an origami caterpillar

caterpillar

This is a caterpillar made by curling strips of paper into rings.

Prepare colorful origami or construction paper and cut it into long, narrow strips.

Roll each strip into a loop, glue it, and connect the loops.

Attach parts like eyes and antennae, and you’ll have a colorful, cute caterpillar! You can stick it on a wall or backing along with leaf pieces, or enjoy touching it and making it wiggle! It might also be nice to make and play while asking questions like, “How do you think a real caterpillar moves?”

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stroll bag

A stroll bag made from a paper plate 🐰🐻 #handmade #stayHome #nurserySchool #crafts #handmadeBag #DIYBag #DIY #stroll #strollBag #acornPicking #funAllYearRound

stroll bag

Hang a handmade bag around your neck and head out for a walk! Cut one paper plate in half, then glue it onto another paper plate so the edges align.

Cut the leftover plate into shapes like animal ears and attach them to the plate, then draw the facial features and patterns to finish your original paper-plate bag.

Punch two holes on each side, thread a ribbon long enough to go around your neck, and it’s done! It’s perfect for collecting nuts, leaves, and flowers you find on your walk.

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bird

[Kindergarten/Daycare] May Please Put Your Name Bird Week Painting/Craft

bird

On a balmy spring day, when you can hear little birds chirping from somewhere, why not try making a cute and easy birdhouse? Prepare triangle construction paper for the roof, square construction paper for the house, oval construction paper for the bird, round construction paper for the wings, round stickers, scissors, glue, and crayons.

Since the round stickers will be used for the bird’s pattern and beak, cut them in half beforehand.

If you have stickers in various colors, you can enjoy making colorful little birds.

You’ll end up with a cheerful bird decoration that will lift your spirits!

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bento (boxed lunch)

Let's make and play! Crafting a lunchbox that looks just like the real thing

bento (boxed lunch)

It’s spring outing season, the perfect time to bring a packed lunch on field trips.

So how about saying, “Shall we make our own bento?” and trying a bento craft project? You can enjoy the textures too, with onigiri made by softly folding kitchen paper and Neapolitan pasta made from yarn.

Octopus-shaped sausages crafted from orange origami or shumai made using bottle caps look just like the real thing.

Pack in all your favorite side dishes and have fun creating your own original bento!

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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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