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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- Get kids excited in November! A collection of play and craft ideas using autumn’s natural treasures
- Perfect origami ideas for September! A special feature on motifs you’ll want to include in early childhood education
- Recommended for 5-year-olds’ September crafts! A collection of ideas to enjoy autumn
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- September crafts for 2-year-olds! A collection of make-and-play ideas to enjoy autumn
- [For 3-year-olds] Perfect for September! A Collection of Craft Ideas to Enjoy Autumn Nature
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Summary of activities for childcare in September: autumn-themed play ideas such as crafts and fingerplays (31–40)
cute owl

Owls are known as lucky charms, and they’re often used in preschools as a classic autumn theme.
The origami owl we’re introducing starts by folding the paper into a triangle, then aligning the corners toward the center line.
Use the crease lines to form the owl’s body.
Next, fold the top corner down toward the center of the color-change area to make the owl’s face.
Fold the left and right sides toward the center to shape the owl.
The key is to fold while adding a gentle roundness to the form.
Cute squirrel

Let’s make an adorable squirrel using two sheets of origami paper.
First, fold the first sheet in half into a triangle and open it, then slightly fold the corners along the crease.
Flip it over and fold up the opposite corner as well.
Fold both side corners up toward the center.
Fold each of the two top corners inward toward the center to make the ears, and slightly fold the face and mouth areas inward to make them rounded—this completes the face.
Next, fold the second sheet in half into a triangle, open it, and fold both side corners inward to meet the center crease.
Fold the two bottom corners toward the center too.
Fold the whole piece in half, offset slightly, then tuck in the bottom corners to round the shape—this completes the body.
Finally, glue the face and body together and draw the squirrel’s face, and you’re done!
Cute 3D cosmos

Let’s make a three-dimensional cosmos—the quintessential autumn flower—using origami.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and fold it in an accordion (zigzag) pattern.
Be careful to keep the fold widths even.
Use scissors to trim the tip to form the cosmos petals.
Take three petal pieces, fold along the lines, and assemble them to create a 3D cosmos.
Make four of these and glue them together to complete the flower.
It’s also fun to create an autumn scene by making a whole cosmos field—you’ll really feel the season’s atmosphere!
A rabbit folded from two sheets of origami paper

Rabbits are often depicted together with moon viewing because the white patterns on the moon are said to resemble a rabbit pounding mochi.
Let’s make such a rabbit using two sheets of origami paper.
First, fold the first sheet into a triangle twice, then open the triangle and fold it into a square.
Next, fold down the top single layer in half.
Flip it over and repeat the same steps.
Fold both ears toward the center, then fold the tip of one ear outward to finish the face.
Now take the second sheet of origami, fold it into a triangle in half, and open it.
Fold all four edges inward along the crease to form a diamond shape.
Fold the bottom part up, then fold it slightly back down.
Fold the top part inward as well, then fold everything in half to complete the body.
Finally, glue the face and body together and draw the face to complete your rabbit!
Squirrel folded from two sheets of origami paper

Let’s make a cute squirrel using two sheets of origami paper.
First, fold the first sheet in half into a triangle and open it.
Fold the corners slightly along the crease.
Turn it over and fold up the opposite corner as well.
Fold both side corners up toward the center.
Fold both top corners inward toward the center to form the ears, and round off the folds for the face and mouth to shape the head—now the face is complete.
Next, take the second sheet, fold it in half into a triangle, then open it and fold both side corners inward toward the center crease.
Fold the two bottom corners toward the center as well.
Offset it slightly and fold in half, then tuck in the bottom corners to round the overall body—this completes the body.
Finally, glue the face and body together and draw the squirrel’s face to finish!
Summary of activities for childcare in September: autumn-themed activities such as crafts and finger plays (41–50)
Acorn in origami

Acorns are one of the familiar parts of autumn nature for children—they find them among fallen leaves, collect lots of them, and use them for pretend play.
Let’s try expressing the autumn mood by making acorns with origami.
First, fold the origami paper in half into a square, then open it and fold the bottom edge up toward the crease.
Flip it over, fold it in half, and open it, then fold both sides in toward the crease.
Finally, fold in the four corners to resemble an acorn shape, and you’re done.
Make lots and decorate your room with them!
Perfect for decorations! How to fold a dragonfly

When it comes to symbols of autumn in Japan, dragonflies come to mind, don’t they? This time, let’s introduce a dragonfly made of origami that’s perfect for autumn crafts.
Prepare two sheets of origami paper, some eyes, and a felt-tip pen, and let’s get started.
For the dragonfly’s body, make creases vertically and horizontally, then fold toward the center line to form a square shape.
When puffing up and shaping parts of the origami, the key is to use your fingertips as you fold.
Next, prepare the remaining sheet of origami to make the wings.
For the sections where you open the paper outward while folding it down, take your time and fold carefully.
Glue the body and wings together, then adjust the body’s shape at the end.
Attach the eyes, and it’s complete.


