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.

[1-year-olds] Craft ideas to enjoy in spring: flowers and koinobori (31–40)

Shirokuma-chan’s Hotcakes

Here’s an introduction to making a craft inspired by the popular children’s picture book, Shirokuma-chan’s Pancakes.

Prepare construction paper, paint, brushes, scissors, and glue.

Cut out and assemble a plate and pancakes from the construction paper ahead of time.

If you prepare plates in several colors, children may enjoy choosing their favorite.

Use paint to represent butter and add color to the pancakes with a brush.

Form butter shapes from cellophane or origami paper, then glue them on top to complete a delicious-looking pancake.

For Shirokuma-chan’s eyes, we recommend using round stickers.

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Takenoko-chan

Here’s an introduction to making a fun art project with Bamboo Shoot-chan using paints.

Prepare a paper plate, crayons, paint, brushes, scissors, and glue.

First, enjoy scribbling on the paper plate with crayons.

Next, paint over it to enjoy a resist painting effect.

It’s recommended to dilute the paint a little.

Since some children may be using paint for the first time, proceed while keeping a close eye on them to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure safety.

Cut the paper plate into quarters, then glue the pieces together in a three-dimensional way to form a bamboo shoot shape.

Finally, add the face, and it’s complete.

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Skeleton flower

Introducing how to make a skeleton flower with a charming glossy shine.

Prepare transparent origami paper, a flower template, round stickers, glue, scissors, crayons, and clear tape.

Use the flower template to trace the shape onto the backing paper and cut it out.

Apply clear tape to the back of the construction paper so you can attach transparent origami paper to the flower area.

Have the children stick the cut transparent origami pieces from the front.

Mixing different transparent origami colors when sticking them makes the colors blend and look adorable.

Draw the stem with a crayon, and it’s complete.

Give it a try!

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Goldfish made with balloon stamps

We’ll introduce a colorful, pop, and cute goldfish craft made with balloon stamps.

Prepare paint, brushes, water balloons, construction paper, glue, and scissors.

After cutting the construction paper into the shape of a large jar and goldfish, dip an inflated water balloon in paint and stamp it onto the jar-shaped paper.

Switching colors as you stamp makes it even more fun.

Stick adhesive eyes on the goldfish, place them wherever you like, and you’re done.

Give it a try!

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Making bento (Japanese lunchbox)

[For 1-year-olds] Let's make a bento and go for a walk!

Making bento (Japanese lunchbox)

Here’s a fun craft for making a picnic-style bento that’s perfect for a sunny day.

The key is to prepare the ingredients—like rolled omelet, sausages, broccoli, and tomatoes—in advance using construction paper or origami paper.

For the main items like rice balls, making them together with the kids can boost the excitement.

Once you’ve laid out the prepared ingredients on the table, start packing them into the bento box.

By choosing and packing the ingredients themselves, children can think about what foods they like and how much will fit, making it both engaging and enjoyable.

Taking your special bento box out for a walk or little outing is a great way to enjoy the season, too.

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[For 1-year-olds] Craft ideas to enjoy in spring: flowers and koinobori (41–50)

The goldfish ran away.

Let’s stamp while dabbing with a sponge! Here’s an idea inspired by “The Goldfish Got Away.” The picture book “The Goldfish Got Away,” with its charming art style and the fun of searching for the escaped goldfish, is a favorite among children! This time, let’s enjoy making a craft with sponges.

You’ll need white drawing paper, sponges, paints, and paper parts you’ve made from construction paper.

Use paint to represent the water in the fishbowl where the goldfish is.

Using a single color is fine, but mixing light blue, blue, and white will give it a different feel!

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little bird

Arranging is so much fun! Here are some little bird ideas to try.

The children’s song “Kotori no Uta,” featuring a bird that loves to sing, is probably well loved in nurseries and kindergartens, isn’t it? This time, let’s make a little bird out of construction paper.

All you need is construction paper in your favorite colors, crayons, and round stickers.

It’s super cute to use the children’s handprints as the bird’s wings, so we highly recommend it! Make your little bird using crayons and round stickers, and let the kids arrange it in any style they like.

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