[Childcare] Feel May! A special feature of fun craft ideas to make
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.
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[Childcare] Feel May! A collection of fun craft ideas to make (41–50)
Making bento (Japanese lunchbox)
Here’s a fun craft for making a picnic-style bento that’s perfect for a sunny day.
The key is to prepare the ingredients—like rolled omelet, sausages, broccoli, and tomatoes—in advance using construction paper or origami paper.
For the main items like rice balls, making them together with the kids can boost the excitement.
Once you’ve laid out the prepared ingredients on the table, start packing them into the bento box.
By choosing and packing the ingredients themselves, children can think about what foods they like and how much will fit, making it both engaging and enjoyable.
Taking your special bento box out for a walk or little outing is a great way to enjoy the season, too.
[Childcare] Feel May! A collection of fun craft ideas to make (51–60)
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!
koinobori rocket
Carp streamers burst out with energy and excitement! Here’s an idea for a Koinobori Rocket.
When you think of Children’s Day, many people picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make a toy with a carp streamer motif that you can build and play with! You will need two paper cups, two rubber bands, decorative materials like stickers and colored paper, scissors, a craft knife, and clear tape.
The decoration is very flexible, so it’s sure to spark kids’ creativity!
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!
bamboo shoot
The plump, rounded shape is so cute! Here’s a fun bamboo shoot idea.
Bamboo shoots are in season in spring, and their texture and aroma are distinctive, aren’t they? Some preschools may even include hands-on experiences with bamboo shoots as part of food education.
This time, let’s make a bamboo shoot out of origami! All you need is one sheet of brown origami paper.
If you crease firmly as you fold, it will turn out beautifully.
When decorating, we recommend adding green accents like bamboo leaves or stalks to make it look more festive.
Give it a try!
Colorful Unit Koinobori
Let’s connect triangular pieces and make one! Here’s an idea for a colorful unit-style koinobori (carp streamer).
When you think of Children’s Day, many of you probably picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make one using colorful origami! What you’ll need: eight sheets of origami cut to 7.5 cm squares, and a strip of white origami cut to 15 cm × 3 cm.
The finished piece may look difficult, but the charm of this idea is that it can be made with simple steps!
Sparkly Helmet
Let’s make it with newspaper! Here are some ideas for a sparkly samurai helmet (kabuto).
May is known for Children’s Day, right? Many preschools and homes display kabuto helmets and carp streamers (koinobori).
This time, we’re sharing kabuto ideas that 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.
With shiny tape, stickers, and origami, kids are sure to get excited!