Lovely childcare

Preschool: Autumn-Themed Craft Ideas Recommended for November

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.

In November, as the cold gradually sets in, we get to enjoy beautiful autumn foliage and delicious seasonal flavors.

Why not try some fun crafts that capture those delightful autumn moments?

In this article, we’ll share craft ideas for November that let you feel the season.

We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, including autumn foods made with different materials and projects using natural items like acorns.

They’re all activities children can enjoy!

As November gets colder, let’s make the most of autumn indoors!

Because the items children make are treated as works, we refer to them as “seisaku” (productions) in the text.

[Childcare] Autumn-Themed Craft Ideas Recommended for November (131–140)

Autumn wreath

[Autumn Craft for Ages 2–3] A Preschool Teacher’s Easy Guide to Making a Wreath with Nuts and Seeds!

Autumn wreath

In autumn, it’s common to go on walks to the park with everyone from the daycare and enjoy collecting nuts like acorns and pinecones! Let’s use those natural finds to make a cute wreath.

Cut a circle out of cardboard with a utility knife to create a wreath shape.

It might be best for teachers or parents to handle this step.

Have the children glue on materials like nuts, pipe cleaners, and pompoms! Enjoy displaying the wreaths in the room or around the daycare.

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Stained glass of fallen leaves

Let's Make Stained Glass with Fallen Leaves: Bringing More STEAM Education into Early Childhood

Stained glass of fallen leaves

Let’s make stained glass art that lets you enjoy autumn colors with fallen leaves.

The method is very simple.

First, cut out your favorite shapes from black construction paper.

Next, go out and collect your favorite fallen leaves.

Choose soft leaves rather than dry, crispy ones.

Finally, fill the cut-out areas by taping the leaves in place, and you’re done.

You can enjoy a variety of expressions depending on the shapes you cut out.

Try it with children while spending lots of time exploring autumn nature.

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Fallen Leaves Lantern

Let’s make it at home! “Fallen Leaf Lantern”

Fallen Leaves Lantern

Here’s how to make a fallen-leaf lantern packed with autumn charm.

First, layer cardboard, parchment paper, fallen leaves, parchment paper, and cardboard in that order, and secure them with rubber bands.

Next, microwave at 600W for 30–40 seconds to make pressed leaves.

Then cut a piece of parchment paper to about 15 cm, apply glue, arrange the pressed leaves on it, and place another piece of parchment paper of the same size on top to stick them together.

Next, glue 2-cm-wide strips of construction paper along the top and bottom edges of the parchment sheet, wrap it around a cylindrical object like a plastic bottle, and glue it in place.

Finally, once the glue has dried, remove it from the bottle, and you’re done.

Place a light inside and enjoy the softly soothing glow.

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Crayon-resist mushroom painting

Let’s make mushrooms using a wax-resist painting technique! First, take a piece of construction paper cut into a mushroom cap shape and draw patterns on it with crayons.

Once your patterns are done, paint over the top with your favorite watercolor paint, using plenty of water for a solid wash.

The paint will resist the crayon marks, and the beautiful patterns will appear! After the paint dries, combine it with a piece of construction paper cut into the stem shape to complete your mushroom.

You can also add a face with round stickers or however you like.

Depending on the children’s ages, teachers should handle the cutting of the construction paper.

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Chestnut gathering with an original basket

This is a craft project to make in-season autumn chestnuts and a chestnut-gathering basket using construction paper and origami! Cut a piece of construction paper into a half circle to form the base of the basket, and have teachers pre-cut vertical slits.

Then weave thin strips of origami paper up and down through the slits to create a basket-like finish.

Decorate a backing sheet or wall with the origami chestnuts and the basket for a piece full of autumn vibes! You can adapt the basket idea for other seasons by changing the materials and colors, so be sure to give it a try.

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