[Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts you can play with after making them
At daycare centers and kindergartens, there are many opportunities to make toys using familiar recycled materials.
Making their own toys and playing with them lets children enjoy the process of creating, builds confidence, and gives them a sense of accomplishment—benefits that greatly support their development.
Let’s actively incorporate lots of these activities.
This time, we’re introducing craft ideas that kids can play with after making them.
Tops, pinwheels, puzzles—ideas that are sure to spark children’s curiosity!
Feel free to adapt them while incorporating the children’s ideas, and create one-of-a-kind toys bursting with originality!
They’ll surely grow attached to them, and the fun will double.
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[Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts You Can Play With After Making (71–80)
Simple chopstick gun
This is a very simple chopstick rubber-band gun you can make with just two pairs of disposable chopsticks.
Clamp the tip of one chopstick set with the tip of the other and secure them with a rubber band.
At this point, use both chopsticks un-split, just as they are.
That’s actually all there is to the assembly! Then hook a rubber band onto the tip to set it, and slowly tilt the clamped chopstick diagonally like a trigger—the rubber band will launch.
Since you don’t need scissors, a cutter, glue, or anything else, it’s perfect for a craft project with small children.
Give it a try!
straw airplane
Here’s how to make a straw airplane using a straw and construction paper.
Many families likely have these at home and can make one right away! The steps are very simple: prepare two long strips of construction paper of different lengths, form each into a loop, and attach them to the front and back of the straw.
Any kind of straw will work, but if it’s a bendy straw, cut off the flexible part before using it.
The way it flies will change depending on the straw’s length and thickness, so try making several and see which one flies best—or which one flies in a fun, unusual way!
Easy with cardboard! Handmade puzzle
Puzzles made from cardboard can be created using scrap materials, so they’re inexpensive and fun to play with right from the crafting stage.
Aside from the illustrated part, everything—from the puzzle pieces to the frame—can be made out of cardboard, making it easy to create a new one whenever you get bored.
Both the crafting process and the puzzle itself involve using your fingers, which helps with learning and brain training, so they’re perfect not only for children but also for older adults.
Plus, it teaches the valuable lesson that toys can be made from everyday items, so give it a try!
[Nursery/Kindergarten] Crafts You Can Play With After Making (81–90)
Cardboard mini car case
Even tidying up is simple! Here’s an idea for a cardboard mini car case.
Many kids love toy cars like mini cars, don’t they? This idea is perfect if you’re thinking, “I want to make a road for cars to drive on and give it as a gift,” or “I’d be happy if it’s easy to take toys in and out.” It’s unique because when you open the storage case for the mini cars, it transforms into a townscape with roads.
Adding a handle makes it easy to carry, which is a nice bonus.
Definitely give it a try!
chain drop
Let’s make a toy called a “chain dropper” using a milk powder can! It’s very easy to make.
Attach the parts of Anpanman’s face to the lid of the can, then cut out the mouth area with a utility knife.
After that, secure the lid with tape so it won’t come off, and just put the chain inside! Little kids love putting things into small holes like this—and they love pulling them out, too! It’s a simple toy, but it’s a classic favorite among children.
Give it a try!
felt ball
Felt balls, which can be played with in many ways, are also recommended.
First, download a pentagon template from the internet and use it to cut cardboard.
Next, cut felt to match the pentagons you’ve made and embroider the characters on them.
Once you have 12 pieces, assemble them, stuff them with filling, and you’re done.
I hope you’ll play freely—roll it to see which character shows up or toss it in the air.
You can also put a bell inside to enjoy the sound.
playmat
Here’s an idea for a road play mat that you’ll want to make for a child who loves toy cars.
Sew roads made from gray felt onto a base of felt in your favorite color.
Then, add and sew on whatever you like—houses, trees, a police box, a hospital, bus stops, and more.
If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can skip the stitching and use glue to attach everything instead.
With a little creativity, you can make all kinds of play mats, so let your imagination run wild as you create.
Making a construction site where kids can play with work vehicles sounds fun, too!