[October] Craft ideas for fall you can use in childcare
October is when you can feel autumn even more strongly, thanks to changes in nature and the climate.
This is a must-read for teachers who are thinking, “I want to enjoy autumn-specific crafts with the children!”
Here we introduce craft ideas perfect for October.
You’ll find a wide range of ideas: themes inspired by Halloween such as ghosts and pumpkins; and themes that feature autumn-only natural items and seasonal tastes like fallen leaves, acorns, mushrooms, and grapes.
We also introduce techniques that stimulate children’s five senses and curiosity, as well as fun ways to use materials that greatly expand their imaginative world—please use them for inspiration.
Because we focus on ideas for creating works that allow children to freely express their individuality, we use the term “制作 (seisaku)” as “creation” or “craft” in the text.
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[October] Useful for childcare! Introducing autumn craft ideas (11–20)
A hedgehog made with masking tape
Let’s make a colorful, cute hedgehog using washi tape! First, cut out a hedgehog shape from construction paper.
Depending on the children’s ages, the teacher can handle this part, or draw guide lines and have the children do the cutting themselves.
Once you’ve cut out the hedgehog shape, simply stick strips of washi tape in various colors and patterns randomly over the area where the hedgehog’s spines would be—and you’re done! You’ll have a very stylish hedgehog with spines in all sorts of patterns.
The autumn-colored caterpillar
Speaking of caterpillars, we usually think of green ones, but caterpillars dressed in autumn colors are adorable too.
Let’s make a version of the beloved children’s book character, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, using fall foliage colors.
On a sheet of white construction paper, you’ll stamp circles—but the stamp is a blown-up balloon.
Mix a few paints in your favorite autumn shades, press the balloon lightly into the paint, then dab and twist it on the paper to make circles.
Even two-year-olds can have fun bouncing the balloon to stamp! Cut out the circles, add a face, and it’s complete.
Pumpkin bag
When you think of Halloween, isn’t a pumpkin the first design that comes to mind? All you have to do is evenly cut colored paper with double-sided tape attached and stick the pieces along the curve of a paper cup, so even small children can make it easily.
Older children can draw designs on the paper or change the colors to create their own original pumpkins, which is fun too.
Also, after using it as a treat bag, it looks cute as interior decor, making it a bag that preserves Halloween memories.
A ghost popping out of a paper cup
Let’s make a ghost toy that’s perfect for Halloween! First, poke a hole in a paper cup big enough for a straw to pass through.
Next, cut off the handles of a plastic grocery bag and draw a ghost face on it with a pen.
After drawing the face, insert a straw about halfway into the bag and seal the bag’s opening tightly.
Thread the other end of the straw (the side not inside the bag) through the hole in the paper cup, then tuck the bag portion into the cup—done! When you blow into the straw, the ghost pops out of the paper cup.
A crown made of fallen leaves
We all want children to have plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
So why not make cute crowns using fallen leaves collected in the playground or on walks outside? Beforehand, cut a sheet of copier paper lengthwise into three equal strips and tape two of the strips together to prepare the base.
Then, have the children attach their favorite leaves to the base with tape or similar; it makes a lovely crown.
To finish, roll it into a ring and staple it closed, making sure the points of the staples face outward.
