[Indoor Activities] A Collection of Craft Ideas Recommended for Elementary School Students

Marble Climbing

Handmade toy: “Marble Climbing”

When you think of a marble run, you usually imagine marbles rolling from top to bottom, but this one makes the marble go upward.

First, prepare a wooden board with many holes big enough for a marble to fall through, and combine it with other wooden boards at an angle to form a box shape.

Next, make a small box just large enough to hold a marble.

Cut holes in the front and back of this box so the marble can pass through.

Attach strings to the box so you can pull it from both sides, creating a mechanism that lifts the marble upward—then it’s complete.

If, while lifting the marble, it slips through the box’s holes and falls into one of the holes in the wooden board, you’re out.

If the marble climbs all the way to the top without falling, you win!

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SAKI

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Marble Climbing

Handmade toy: “Marble Climbing”

When you think of a marble run, you usually imagine marbles rolling from top to bottom, but this one makes the marble go upward.

First, prepare a wooden board with many holes big enough for a marble to fall through, and combine it with other wooden boards at an angle to form a box shape.

Next, make a small box just large enough to hold a marble.

Cut holes in the front and back of this box so the marble can pass through.

Attach strings to the box so you can pull it from both sides, creating a mechanism that lifts the marble upward—then it’s complete.

If, while lifting the marble, it slips through the box’s holes and falls into one of the holes in the wooden board, you’re out.

If the marble climbs all the way to the top without falling, you win!

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SAKI

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How to make a pencil case

How to repurpose a plastic wrap core: Pen case edition

You can stand your favorite pens upright! Here’s how to make a cute pen case using a plastic wrap core.

First, cut the wrap core to a length that fits your pens.

It’s tough, so kids should have an adult help.

Next, place the core on thick paper, trace around it with a pencil, cut it out, and glue on a lid and a base for the case.

Once the glue dries, decorate it with your favorite wrapping paper or stickers.

Finally, roll up some thick paper, push it into the case, and trim any excess—and you’re done!

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kepiko

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Three-dimensional artwork made with aluminum foil

Art project idea for 3rd–4th grade elementary students: a 3D artwork made with aluminum foil, “Mysterious Creatures.”

Here’s an idea for creating your own three-dimensional artwork using shiny aluminum foil.

Cut the foil to your preferred lengths, then crumple and compress it firmly into shape.

If you’re making a dragon, it helps to form separate parts—such as the body, tail, and horns—and refine each piece as you go.

Once all the parts are ready, check the balance and assemble them, securing everything firmly with glue or tape.

Finally, paint it in your favorite colors to complete a realistic, dynamic dragon.

The finished piece reflects light and has a strong presence, making it an eye-catching decorative item.

It’s a craft that lets you enjoy changing shapes freely and imagining a story as you create.

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mutō

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Aquabeads

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Aquabeads are easy and fun: just place the small beads on a tray and stick them together with water.

Kids can focus on their own, creating all kinds of shapes and colors at their own pace.

Using their fingertips improves fine motor skills, and thinking about what design to make really expands their imagination.

Plus, there’s no glue or ironing, so cleanup is quick and easy! It’s also great because kids can feel a sense of accomplishment by completing projects on their own.

Once they get used to it, they can even make 3D creations—give it a try!

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kepiko

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My First Fake Sweets

Let me introduce some super cute-looking fake sweets.

These days, you can find all kinds of candy-themed items at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to enjoy.

How about decorating your favorite shaped motifs with whipped cream for sweets deco and adding dragees? You don’t even have to make the motifs yourself to have fun, so it’s perfect for your first fake-sweets project! Thinking about colors and shapes and handling tiny parts helps develop fine motor skills and boosts concentration.

You’ll nurture many abilities while having fun making them, so give it a try!

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kepiko

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A kalimba that makes a hopping sound

[Instrument Craft] Boing-Boing Sounds♪ Kalimba <Upcycled Craft / Handmade Toy> [Empty Box / Spoon / Rubber Bands] Easy to Make

A kalimba is a traditional African instrument consisting of a wooden box fitted with thin metal or bamboo tines.

This time, let’s make a kalimba using an empty candy box and plastic spoons! The method is simple: just use rubber bands to fasten the spoons to the empty box.

To improve stability, you’ll need to create grooves to hold some chopsticks, but don’t worry—the process is as easy as making small cuts with scissors.

Place your handmade kalimba on a desk, hold the body down with your hand, and pluck the spoons to produce interesting sounds.

Try experimenting with how the way you secure the spoons changes the pitch.

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Hane Keisuke

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