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 (51–60)
grapes
Grapes are a great origami theme for teachers and children to make together in September.
Using a sheet of origami paper cut in half, you can create two grape berries.
Combine them to make a full cluster of grapes! Grape origami boosts children’s creativity and concentration, develops fine motor skills, and brings an autumn atmosphere to preschools and kindergartens.
You can also enjoy it in various ways—display it on the wall, use it for pretend play at a fruit shop, or make it as a Grandparents’ Day gift.
Why not include it in your autumn crafts this year?
Fallen leaves made with a coffee filter
Let’s use coffee filters to make and play with autumn leaves! First, dampen the coffee filter.
Using a spray bottle to mist it all over makes it easy.
With the filter fully moistened, load a brush with paint and apply it on top.
Even if the color isn’t perfectly even, having variations in tone actually makes the leaves look more realistic.
Once the paint is dry, cut out leaf shapes.
Adding creases to the leaves gives them a three-dimensional look and makes them appear more realistic when displayed, so it’s highly recommended.
Three-dimensional cosmos made with origami and paper tape
Here’s an idea for making soft, three-dimensional cosmos flowers using origami.
Fold a sheet of origami paper in half, then in half again, and once more (three folds total) to divide it into eight sections.
Unfold it, cut along the fold lines with scissors, and glue the strips together in pairs to make four long, narrow pieces.
Arrange those four pieces in a radial pattern, glue them together, flip it over, and glue the tips of the paper toward the center to form the cosmos shape.
For the center of the flower, either place a yellow circle cut from colored paper, or make a fluffy pistil using packing tape and attach it.
You can make these not only with origami paper but also with paper tape.
How to fold an easy cosmos flower
Let’s introduce how to fold a cosmos flower.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper, crease it, and cut it into four equal parts.
Using the creases as a guide, shape each quarter into a cosmos petal.
Once all are folded, glue the four petals together at the center.
For the stem, prepare another quarter sheet of origami paper and fold it along the center.
Finally, glue the flower and the stem together, and you’re done! The steps are simple, so give it a try.
[September] Fall Crafts! Ideas You Can Use in Childcare (61–70)
How to fold tsukimi dango (paper craft)
Moon-viewing dango are essential sweets for the autumn full-moon night.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper, fold it into a triangle, then fold both sides up toward the center line.
Align the tip with the bottom corner, fold, and gently puff it out to form the dango.
A small slit with scissors is also a key step.
Fold the corners to shape the dango into a round form.
Finally, make the stand for the dango, attach the dango on top, and you’re done.
Try making these with children as the full-moon night approaches!
How to fold a cute persimmon
The plump, round shape is so charming! Here are some cute ideas for folding a persimmon.
As a seasonal fruit, you might have chances to eat persimmons at school or at home.
It could be fun to link the craft with the day’s menu.
This time, let’s make an adorable persimmon out of origami! You’ll need one sheet of orange origami paper, a quarter-size piece of green origami paper, glue, and a pen or crayon.
Since the origami is small at a quarter size and the step for making the calyx is a bit tricky, it’s reassuring to try it together with a teacher or guardian.
Origami dragonfly using scissors
Let’s make a dragonfly—often seen in autumn—using origami.
Prepare origami paper, round stickers, and scissors.
First, fold the origami paper into a triangle twice.
Fold it down along the center line, then unfold to create crease lines.
Make the dragonfly’s body and use scissors to make small cuts—be careful not to cut too much.
Fold to form the wings and the body separately.
Finally, add the eyes with round stickers, and it’s complete! Give it a try.