Summary of activities you can use in childcare in September: autumn-themed play such as crafts and fingerplay.
September is when you start to feel autumn little by little through changes in nature and the weather.
Many teachers at nurseries and kindergartens may be thinking about enjoying autumn-specific activities with children that feel a bit different from summer.
So this time, we’re introducing activity ideas recommended for September.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas, including craft activities featuring autumn nature and motifs, songs, finger plays, picture books, and indoor games!
We’re also introducing activities related to the moon-viewing festival and Respect for the Aged Day, so find activities that suit your setting and incorporate them into your September childcare.
Enjoy the season of autumn together with the children as you experience it.
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A roundup of activities you can use in childcare in September: autumn-themed crafts, fingerplays, and more (1–10)
Off to enjoy the flavors of autumn!
Speaking of autumn, there are so many delicious things, aren’t there? Persimmons, grapes, sweet potatoes… Let’s enjoy an autumn harvest experience by gathering these tasty treats! Children carry baskets or paper bags, dig up sweet potatoes made of newspaper, and pick grapes hanging like a garland, putting them into their own bags.
It’s also fun to make the fruits and other items as crafts to “harvest.” It helps kids learn about seasonal autumn foods and makes for an indoor activity that builds practical life knowledge!
Autumn Origami: Acorns, Mushrooms, and Fallen Leaves
We’ll make classic autumn items—acorns, mushrooms, and fallen leaves—out of origami! For the acorn, first fold the paper into a triangle twice, then unfold.
Fold one corner toward the center twice.
Flip it over and fold both sides in so they go a little past the center line.
Fold the bottom corner up slightly, and it’s done! Next, for the mushroom, fold the paper into a square twice, then unfold and fold one edge up to the center.
Flip it over and fold both sides toward the center, then fold the bottom up, leaving about 1 cm uncreased at the bottom edge to create a flap.
Fold the corners of that flap inward and open them, then fold all four outer corners in; the mushroom is complete! For the fallen leaf, fold once into a triangle, then make accordion folds from one end and unfold.
Lightly fold along the initial triangle’s crease at a slight diagonal.
Open it up while keeping the diagonal fold section, then round off the corners with small folds; your leaf is finished!
Grape craft
As grapes become delicious in this season, try incorporating grape-themed crafts into your September activities and enjoy both the appetites and the arts of autumn! There are many ways to make grape crafts, so adjust the content according to the children’s ages.
For example, you can create a bunch of grapes by rolling thin strips of paper into coils and combining them, or by randomly combining thin rings made from origami paper.
Make leaves and tree trunks as well, and put them together.
These are perfect for wall decorations too, so make plenty and turn your room into a grape vineyard!
Summary of activities for childcare in September: autumn-themed play such as crafts and fingerplays (11–20)
Mushroom pen holder
Let’s make a mushroom-themed pen holder, inspired by one of autumn’s seasonal delights! First, cover one of the openings of a toilet paper roll with thick paper, and wrap the outside with beige origami paper.
Then attach a mushroom cap cut out of drawing paper.
It’s a good idea to add patterns to the mushroom cap using a sponge dauber or round stickers.
Finally, add facial features to the toilet paper roll—the mushroom’s stem—if you like, and you’re done! It’s perfect for holding art supplies or as a gift for parents/guardians.
Let’s make acorns and balancing toys (yajirobe).
Speaking of autumn, it’s also the season when lots of nuts fall from the trees.
You can make all kinds of fun toys using them.
How about this balancing toy, a “yajirobee,” which seems to put your sense of balance to the test? In Japan, yajirobee have long been made as toys, and depending on which acorn you choose and how long you make the arms, you can create many different styles.
It’s a big plus that you can keep playing with it as a toy after you make it.
Adding eyes or painting it makes it even cuter.
acorn maracas
Speaking of autumn, it’s the season when acorns ripen! Picking up acorns is fun, but how about making maracas with the ones you collect? You can easily craft them using familiar materials like plastic bottles or paper cups, so even small children can enjoy making them.
Decorate with cute patterned masking tape, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind maraca! The sound changes depending on the amount and size of the acorns, so experimenting can be fun too.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy activities that connect children with nature!
Acorn picking
In places where there are oak trees, acorns fall in such numbers in autumn that they cover the ground.
Children are great at finding acorns because they’re closer to the ground.
The weather is pleasant in autumn and it’s easy to play outside, so how about going for a walk and picking up some acorns while you’re at it? Acorns are edible, and there are fun toys you can make with them, too!
