Lovely childcare

Craft Activity Ideas for 5-Year-Olds: November Edition

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.

In November, when the wintry wind blows and fallen leaves dance in the air.

Children will likely have many chances to experience the autumn season during outdoor play and walks.

Teachers who want their sensitive, perceptive children to fully feel the charms of autumn—this is a must-see!

Here are some recommended craft ideas for five-year-olds in November.

A collection of creative projects themed around autumn staples like acorns, pinecones, mushrooms, and chestnuts!

We’re sharing plenty of craft ideas that nurture the imagination and expressive abilities of five-year-olds, so be sure to use them as a reference and enjoy all that autumn has to offer.

Because we present ideas for making projects that highlight each child’s individuality, we use the term “seisaku (制作)” as “crafts” in the main text.

[For 5-year-olds] November Craft Activity Ideas (71–80)

Chestnut gathering with an original basket

This is a craft project for making in-season autumn chestnuts and a chestnut-picking basket using construction paper and origami! Cut the construction paper, which will be the base of the basket, into a half-circle, and have the teachers pre-cut vertical slits.

Then weave thin strips of origami paper up and down through the slits to create a basket-like finish! Display it together with origami chestnuts on a backing sheet or wall to complete a piece full of autumn charm.

By changing the materials and colors, you can adapt the basket idea for other seasons too, so give it a try!

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Bagworm made with torn-paper collage

[Making Bagworms] Autumn Craft: Tearing Paper Play for Children (Nursery School / Kindergarten)

Bagworm made with torn-paper collage

How about trying a seasonal fall craft—making bagworms—using torn-paper collage, which kids love? You’ll need brown origami paper, a toilet paper roll, glue, and so on.

Teachers should prepare the bagworms’ eyes in advance.

First, tear the origami paper; it’s nice to have several shades of brown ready.

Next, glue the torn pieces onto the toilet paper roll, covering it completely with no gaps.

Finally, attach the eyes and it’s done.

The feel and sound of tearing paper help stimulate the five senses, and it also serves as good fine motor practice!

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acorn

Kimie Gangi: Easy and safe “How to make an acorn top (spinning top)” for elementary school Life Studies. #acorn #donguri #LifeStudies #2ndGrade #children’splay #elementaryschoolteacher

acorn

Why not make a handmade spinning top using acorns you’ve picked up at the park or on a walk? It’s also a great chance for kids to get in touch with natural materials.

The trick is to choose larger acorns, such as sawtooth oak acorns.

First, mark the center of the top of the acorn and secure it.

While holding the acorn firmly, make a hole with a pushpin.

If you want to widen the hole, you can use a screw hook.

Once the hole is made, insert a toothpick straight through, cut it to an appropriate length, and you’re done! Five-year-olds should be able to make this with proper safety precautions, so give it a try.

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Squirrel made from a toilet paper roll

[Childcare Craft] Autumn Creatures! Cute Squirrel | Cute squirrel made from toilet paper rolls

Squirrel made from a toilet paper roll

When it comes to adorable autumn animals that warm our hearts, squirrels are a top pick! Let’s reuse toilet paper rolls to make a cute squirrel.

Cover two cut toilet paper rolls with origami paper to create the squirrel’s head and body.

Next, cut construction paper to make the tail and ears and glue them on, then draw the eyes and nose—and you’re done! The steps are simple, making this a great craft for five-year-olds.

It also makes a charming little ornament, so why not try making it together with the kids?

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Acorn-cap painting activity

[Kindergarten/Daycare] Your very own original! November autumn acorn-cap art and crafts

Acorn-cap painting activity

Here’s a fall craft idea that makes the most of the cute shape of acorns! First, paint patterns on origami paper with paints or add color by rolling marbles dipped in paint.

Next, use the decorated origami to fold the acorn cap.

To finish, create your own face and place the acorn cap on top! For the face, you can cut it out of construction paper or cut out drawings that the children make on construction paper.

It’s exciting to think about what kind of originality-filled art five-year-olds will come up with.

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In conclusion

We introduced craft ideas recommended for November for five-year-olds.

At this age, children are getting used to using glue and scissors and start finding crafts more enjoyable.

The range of things they can make expands significantly, so we want them to experience the joy of shaping what they imagine while exploring a variety of materials.

Let’s deepen their interest in autumn by touching natural autumn items and checking creatures in picture books and field guides!