[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 collection of fun craft ideas to make (41–50)

Let’s make a kabuto (samurai helmet)

Let’s make a special craft just for Children’s Day! Here are some ideas for making a samurai helmet (kabuto).

Even if you’ve finished your main craft for Children’s Day, this is a great idea for something fun to make and play with on the day itself.

Use construction paper in your favorite colors to make a kabuto, then decorate it with stickers and pens.

If you attach string or elastic to the finished kabuto, kids can wear it and enjoy it even more—guaranteed excitement! Be sure to give it a try.

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Carnation clip

https://www.tiktok.com/@sayacky_be.child/video/7355658747127074066

Let’s make it with paper towels! Here’s an idea for a carnation clip.

Paper towels are highly absorbent paper commonly used in everyday life, especially for cleaning and cooking in the kitchen.

This time, let’s use paper towels to make a carnation clip! The key is to color them with water-based markers or paints and then mist them with water.

The colors will gently spread, creating a beautiful finish.

Give it a try!

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Carnation Box

https://www.tiktok.com/@tomonite_official/video/7364326206310845714

The lottery-style recreation element is unique and fun! Here’s an idea for a carnation box.

On red or pink construction paper, like the color of carnations, write messages of gratitude or things you love about Mom.

Each card carries the children’s heartfelt thoughts, making it an idea that could bring tears of affection as she reads them.

It’s also nice to write perks like “Massage Coupon” or “Help Coupon.” Think up the messages together with your child and give them as a gift.

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The kitchen sponge transforms into a butterfly!

https://www.tiktok.com/@hii_hoiku_seisaku/video/7481957164031003911

It’s great that you can make use of familiar materials you already have at home or in the classroom! Here’s an idea where a kitchen sponge transforms into a butterfly.

The butterfly made with a kitchen sponge and a spork is appealing because the materials are easy to gather and the steps are simple.

The soft, gentle texture unique to sponges is a key feature! Cutting the sponge into smaller sizes lets you make tiny butterflies too, which is a fun twist.

Give it a try in your activities!

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Skeleton flower

Introducing how to make a skeleton flower with a charming glossy shine.

Prepare transparent origami paper, a flower template, round stickers, glue, scissors, crayons, and clear tape.

Use the flower template to trace the shape onto the backing paper and cut it out.

Apply clear tape to the back of the construction paper so you can attach transparent origami paper to the flower area.

Have the children stick the cut transparent origami pieces from the front.

Mixing different transparent origami colors when sticking them makes the colors blend and look adorable.

Draw the stem with a crayon, and it’s complete.

Give it a try!

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Koinobori made with stamps

@morinonakamahoikuen
2歳児製作！好きな色の画用紙に、トイレットペーパーの芯でウロコを作って、魚の目もつけていきます！最後にヒレをつけたら可愛いこいのぼりの完成ですo(>◡<)o #Nursery school Production #Nursery School Craft 2-year-old class #2-year-old's craft Koinobori (carp streamers)#paint Children's Day
♬ Funny Kids – Syafeea library

Here’s an introduction to making a carp streamer with stamps.

Prepare paint, construction paper, scissors, and a toilet paper roll, and let’s get started.

Pre-cut the construction paper into the shape of a carp streamer.

Dip the toilet paper roll in paint, then stamp scales onto the carp-shaped construction paper.

You might enjoy seeing a variety of scale shapes, like circles and half-circles.

Have the children attach the eyes and fins made from construction paper, and it’s complete.

Try making your own original carp streamer!

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stained-glass-style photo frame

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoiku.seisaku/video/7364999009821347079

Stylish and perfect as a gift! Let me share an idea for a picture frame that looks like stained glass.

In May, we also have Mother’s Day, right? Many of you might be wondering what to make for it.

Why not try creating a stained-glass-style photo frame that looks even more beautiful when light shines through it? You’ll need toilet paper rolls, laminating film, origami paper, masking tape, double-sided tape, stickers, construction paper, and scissors.

It’s great because you can display it at home!

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