September: Autumn crafts! Ideas you can use in childcare
In September, when the season gradually shifts from the hot summer to autumn, there are many chances to feel the change of seasons through nature and living creatures.
This is a must-read for teachers at daycare centers and kindergartens who are thinking, “We want to incorporate crafts that let children feel autumn!”
Here are some recommended craft ideas for September.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas—from those that incorporate familiar autumn elements for children such as fallen leaves and acorns, to ones that use unique techniques that stimulate the five senses.
With a bit of adaptation, these activities can be enjoyed by children from infants to the oldest kindergarteners, so please make good use of them.
Since we emphasize project ideas that make the most of children’s free imagination, we use the term “制作 (seisaku: creation/production)” rather than “製作 (seisaku: craft/production)” in the text.
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[September] Autumn crafts! Ideas you can use in childcare (131–140)
Pine cone necklace
You often see pine cones on the ground in autumn.
Let’s make an autumn-themed necklace using those pine cones! First, thread a single pine cone onto some yarn or string.
Then, to surround the pine cone, thread other decorations onto the string.
Besides beads, use colorful straws cut into small pieces.
Once you’ve threaded enough beads and straw pieces to make the right length, tie the ends of the string and you’re done! It’s great for kids to wear themselves, and it also makes a nice gift for parents or guardians.
Grapes made with rings
Let’s make grapes by arranging ring chains often seen as decorations for birthday parties.
First, prepare lots of long, thin strips of purple-toned paper.
Combine them as you would when making paper chains, but the key is not to connect them straight in a single direction—attach them randomly from various angles.
Doing this will create the shape of a bunch of grapes.
For areas you want to secure firmly, add glue from the outside as well.
Add some leaves, and it’s done! It makes a perfect wall decoration, too.
Roasted sweet potatoes in crumpled aluminum foil
Here’s a craft idea that lets kids enjoy the crinkly feel of scrunching up aluminum foil while making roasted sweet potatoes! Wrap thick cardstock with yellow construction paper to create the potato, then cover it with purple construction paper.
Next, place the crumpled aluminum foil over the top, and when you tear the purple paper by hand—voilà, it’s done! This activity helps children develop fine motor skills and nurtures creativity.
Be careful not to crumple the foil too tightly, or it’ll be hard to spread out again.
Remember, mistakes are stepping stones to success, so teachers should watch over the process with a warm heart.
Dragonflies and Rabbits Moon Viewing
When you hear about events in September, what comes to mind? For many people, it’s moon-viewing, isn’t it? This dragonfly-and-rabbit moon-viewing piece skillfully captures the joy of that tradition.
Rabbits are a classic motif for tsukimi, but if it’s just a rabbit, the moon, and dango, it can feel a bit lacking in impact.
The shapes are a bit complex, so it’s slightly more work, but adding decorations like rice plants and clouds instantly makes it pop—so definitely give it a try.
Rolling Acorn
How about enjoying a craft activity with children that makes the most of acorns, one of autumn’s natural treasures? In fall, kids have more chances to pick up acorns outdoors.
Paint the acorns in any colors you like and roll them around on construction paper—they’ll transform into wonderful art! Then cut the paper into leaf shapes and stick origami acorns on top to complete a piece that’s full of autumn vibes.
It’s also a great idea to decorate with the colorful fallen leaves you actually collected.
It’ll make a wall display brimming with both the children’s individuality and the essence of autumn.
Acorns made with sticker pasting
The themes of wall art vary greatly depending on who it’s made for.
In that sense, this “Acorn Made with Stickers” is a piece that children will enjoy.
The key to this work is, above all, the cuteness of the acorns.
The main point is how to shape the acorns to look cute, and for this part, I think the ability to stylize (deform) is important.
Using a reference photo is fine, but if you place the facial features with a stronger sense of three-dimensionality in mind, the result will be even cuter—so please keep that in mind.
Pom-pom mushrooms made from toilet paper rolls
Let’s use toilet paper rolls like stamps to decorate the mushroom caps! First, cut out the shapes of the mushroom stem and cap from construction paper.
Depending on the children’s ages, the teacher may want to handle the cutting.
Once the construction paper is ready, dip the open end of a toilet paper roll in paint of your choice and stamp it onto the cap with a tapping motion.
After you’ve created the pattern you like, combine it with the stem piece to complete the mushroom! It’s also a great idea to draw a face on the stem with a pen or add round stickers.