Lovely childcare

September: Autumn crafts! Ideas you can use in childcare

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

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.

[September] Autumn crafts! Introducing ideas useful for childcare (41–50)

[Ages 2 and up] Let’s make a hedgehog with newspaper!

[Preschool Craft] Make a Hedgehog with Newspaper! Easy Preschool Craft♪

[Ages 2 and up] Let’s make a hedgehog with newspaper!

Making newspaper hedgehogs is perfect for two-year-olds who enjoy using their hands.

Prepare construction paper, a hedgehog template, glue, newspaper, and scissors, and get started.

You can cut the newspaper with scissors, but tearing it by hand to represent the hedgehog’s spines or fur is also recommended.

Since two-year-olds aren’t yet familiar with using scissors, be sure to check their grip and how to open and close the scissors before proceeding.

Using tissue paper or origami to make a colorful hedgehog can also be a great way to help them enjoy colors visually.

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[September] Autumn crafts! Ideas you can use in childcare (51–60)

Swirly Grapes

[Craft] Twirling Grapes

Swirly Grapes

When it comes to the king of autumn flavors, grapes surely take the crown.

Let’s make a seasonal craft by rolling construction paper.

Prepare construction paper, scissors, and glue.

Cut the construction paper into a teardrop shape to create the base for the grapes.

Cut long, thin strips of construction paper and roll them tightly with your fingertips to form grape shapes.

Glue the rolled “grapes” onto the base in a three-dimensional way, making sure there are no gaps.

Finally, cut and roll green construction paper to make the stem and cluster top, then glue it on to finish.

Try making it while paying attention to finger dexterity, size, and overall balance.

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Easy grapes—just put them in a plastic bag

Simple grape decoration you can make just by putting it in a plastic bag – autumn wall display – tissue paper origami ❤︎ DIY grape paper craft / easy to make / Autumn decoration ❤︎ #857

Easy grapes—just put them in a plastic bag

Let’s make grapes by crumpling tissue paper—an activity kids can enjoy from around age one.

Prepare a clear plastic bag, tissue paper, and a pipe cleaner.

Shape the clear plastic bag into a triangle, then crumple the tissue paper into small balls to make grape berries.

Put the berries into the bag and twist the opening closed with the pipe cleaner.

Once your 3D grape cluster is done, add a leaf made from a handprint and create a wrinkled pattern on it to finish.

This is a craft that children around one year old, who love squeezing and crumpling, can enjoy.

Give it a try!

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Grapes wreath

[Ring Garland Craft Idea] Grapes made with ring garlands (September wall decorations, senior recreation, day service, occupational therapy OT, childcare, DIY, origami)

Grapes wreath

Using origami to make delicious-looking grapes is also perfect as a craft that stimulates fine motor development.

Prepare origami paper, glue, and scissors, and let’s get started.

Cut the origami into strips with scissors and glue the ends to make loops.

Make a total of 12 loops.

Glue the loops together to form a bunch of grapes.

If you use light green origami, you can make Shine Muscat grapes.

You can also make leaves and the stem, which might be fun for wall displays and other decorations.

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Bleeding-effect mushroom

There are many delicious foods that are in season in autumn, and mushrooms are one of the most famous autumn flavors.

You often see autumn-colored mushrooms in wall decorations and the like.

Here’s an idea to make those mushrooms using a bleeding-painting technique.

For the mushroom caps that will have the bleeding effect, use coffee filters.

Draw on the filters with water-based pens in colors you like, then sprinkle water over them to let the colors bleed.

It’s easy to get even coverage by spraying water from a spray bottle.

Make the mushroom stems with colored construction paper, and once the filters are dry, glue them on.

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Stylish mushrooms made with masking tape

Masking tape comes in all sorts of designs and patterns.

How about using that tape to make stylish mushrooms? On a sheet of white drawing paper, stick your favorite masking tapes randomly—vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

Once you’ve added as much as you like, cut the paper into the shape of a mushroom cap, then pair it with another piece of paper cut into the shape of the mushroom stem to complete the craft.

Each child will choose different tapes and arrangements, resulting in wonderfully original creations.

Depending on the children’s ages, teachers should handle any steps that involve using scissors.

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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.

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