Lovely childcare

Craft ideas for 1-year-olds to enjoy in spring: flowers and koinobori (carp streamers)

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Curious and eager to go and try things, one-year-olds often have a strong desire to explore.

They also show interest in making things, and their motivation to “give it a try” grows.

For those wondering what kinds of projects to enjoy with one-year-olds, here are some spring recommendations.

We’ve gathered ideas for creating fun motifs like flowers, animals, and carp streamers (koinobori) using a variety of materials and techniques.

These activities will make craft time exciting for the children, so please use them as a reference.

Because we treat children’s creations as works of art, we use the term “seisaku (制作)” to mean “art/craft projects” throughout the text.

Craft ideas to enjoy in spring for 1-year-olds: Flowers and Koinobori (71–80)

[Paper Cup] 3D Koinobori (carp streamer)

I tried making koinobori!! Sharing arrangements and tips for nursery teachers ♪ (koinobori, craft, daycare, Children's Day)

[Paper Cup] 3D Koinobori (carp streamer)

Let’s make koi-shaped streamers using paper cups.

First, poke two holes in the side of a paper cup for a straw to pass through.

The bottom side will be the koi’s head, so make the holes opposite each other near the bottom.

Prepare two of these, and have the children glue torn pieces of origami paper all the way around the cup from the center toward the rim.

Mixing in some silver paper will make it sparkle and look cute! Stick eyes on the open part of each paper cup, then thread both cups onto the straw.

For the base, take a paper cup cut in half vertically, make a hole in its bottom, and insert the straw.

It’s complete! Please have an adult handle the assembly work.

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In conclusion

We introduced spring craft ideas to try with one-year-olds.

At this age, nothing is more enjoyable than the experience itself—touching, tearing, and drawing.

We’d love for them to explore a variety of materials and techniques and enjoy making things.

Let’s be creative with preparation and the environment so it becomes a time when children can feel the joy of “I did it!”