In October childcare, kids will be captivated! A collection of play ideas to fully enjoy autumn

Autumn Hand Play Medley

[Nursery/Kindergarten] Autumn Hand-Play Medley – All 5 Songs

There are lots of songs that feature autumn foods and creatures! If you add hand motions to those songs as you sing, they’ll be even more fun—no doubt about it! The songs that appear in this hand-play medley are “Yaki-guri” (Roasted Chestnuts), “Dango Kuttsuita” (The Dumplings Stuck Together), “Tonbo no Megane” (Dragonfly’s Glasses), “Konkon Kitsune” (Tap-Tap Fox), and “Donguri to Korisu” (Acorns and a Little Squirrel).

While singing, you make shapes with your hands, move in ways that match the lyrics, clap, and enjoy singing together.

Songs with a storyline become even more enjoyable when you add hand movements, because you can feel the narrative more vividly than by singing alone!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

[Halloween] Matching Cards

[Easy Halloween Activity] Match-the-Picture Card Game with Halloween Friends 🎃👻 #preschoolcrafts #preschoolteacher #teachingideas #teacherintraining #teacherlife #crafts #withkids #bulletinboardart #constructionpaper

These are Halloween matching cards that are perfect for playing in October.

They’re easy to make: prepare two copies of several illustrations, paste them onto cardstock, and cut them into cards.

Kids will probably enjoy them more if the illustrations are in color.

The rules are the same as Concentration, so children can jump right in without confusion.

Try using Halloween-themed images like jack-o’-lanterns, witches, ghosts, and mummies.

If you want to play beyond Halloween, you can switch to autumn-themed illustrations like maple leaves and acorns.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

[Craft Play] Hold an indoor sports day even on rainy days! The event is a ball-toss battle.

Speaking of October, many nursery schools and kindergartens hold sports days, don’t they? There are several popular events like relays and dances, but one of the most beloved is tamaire.

It’s a simple game where you throw red or white balls, and the team that gets more into the basket wins—but it can get surprisingly heated.

So why not enjoy an indoor tamaire game in October? It’s also great for pretend sports days with infants and toddlers.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Cutout painting of fallen leaves

Easy With Fallen Leaves! Cutout Painting / [OT Let’s Try Making It! Vol. 30] (Recreation & Crafts)

Here’s an introduction to a cutout artwork made using fallen leaves in various shades like red, yellow, and brown.

First, draw an outline of a maple leaf on construction paper and cut it out with scissors.

Next, glue fallen leaves onto a separate sheet of construction paper, then place the sheet with the maple-shaped cutout on top and glue it down.

That’s all it takes to complete your maple leaf cutout artwork.

It’s very simple, so you can try other motifs too, like saury or pumpkins.

If you start by going out to collect fallen leaves, the kids are sure to love it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Paper cup bagworm kendama

[Daycare/Kindergarten] Autumn Craft 🍁 Paper Cup Bagworm Kendama [Target Age & Notes]

Let’s make and play with a fall-themed bagworm kendama.

Cut out leaves and eyes from construction paper and stick them onto a paper cup.

Draw leaf vein patterns on the leaves with a pen.

Next, crumple paper into a ball and secure it with tape so it doesn’t come apart.

Finally, tie the ball to the paper cup with twine, and your kendama is complete! It’s very easy to make and safe for young children to play with, so give it a try.

Using a pine cone for the ball part is also recommended.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Making a cake with fallen leaves and nuts

[Ages 0–2] Feel the Fall: Make a Leaf Cake!

This is a craft where you make a cake using fallen leaves and acorns you’ve collected.

First, decorate a sheet of drawing paper with stamps or other patterns, then paste it onto a cardboard cake base.

Next, use the leaves and acorns you picked up to decorate the cake! Instead of putting glue directly on the acorns or leaves, it’s easier for kids if you pour some glue onto a paper plate or similar surface for them to use.

Children can stick the pieces on however they like, or they can pretend the leaves are cream and the acorns are strawberries—that can be a lot of fun too.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Make and Play! Bagworm Kendama

How do you make a bagworm kendama? A DIY method using paper cups [For childcare workers / Autumn craft]

How about turning a kendama—where you balance the ball on the top or on the side cup—into a bagworm (minomushi) version? First, crumple up some newspaper into a ball and shape it with vinyl tape to make the kendama ball.

At this time, attach one end of a piece of kite string (both ends tied in firm knots) to the ball as you tape.

Next, tape the other end of the string to the outside bottom of a paper cup.

Then cut out eyes and a fallen-leaf-like body for the bagworm from construction or origami paper, and stick them around the cup—and you’re done! The ball is easier to catch than with a regular kendama, so kids can have lots of fun playing with it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem