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.

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

A little bird made with scribbles

Let’s draw freely with crayons! Here are some ideas for making little birds from scribbles.

Scribbling refers to the bold, free lines and drawings that children create just as they please.

It’s characterized by lines drawn casually with big movements of the hands and arms.

This is an important time to enjoy the fun of drawing and take the first step in self-expression, so let’s make something that makes the most of children’s drawings! What you’ll need: drawing paper, crayons, paper parts (made from construction paper), glue, and scissors.

Give it a try!

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Strawberries made with sticker pasting

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Let’s have fun sticking stickers with our fingertips! Here are some strawberry craft ideas you can make with sticker pasting.

For one-year-olds, sticking stickers is a wonderful activity that nurtures fine motor skills and concentration.

Placing stickers helps them practice using their fingertips and learn precise movements and pressure control.

Completing a craft also gives them a sense of accomplishment and boosts their confidence.

You’ll need a craft paper plate, construction paper, and round stickers.

Give it a try!

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Dandelions Made with Sponge Stamps

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Have fun stamping with a pop-pop rhythm! Here are some dandelion craft ideas you can make with sponge stamps.

Many kids don’t like getting their hands dirty, but these sponge stamps are perfect even for them.

Attach a piece of sponge to the tip of a disposable chopstick with a rubber band, soak it in paint, and pop-pop stamp onto construction paper! The dandelion flowers you make from paper will look even more vibrant.

Be sure to try this for your spring crafts!

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Strawberries made with sensory play

Let’s try making something while enjoying the feel of paint! Here are some strawberry craft ideas using sensory play.

These ideas are perfect for anyone who wants to do a strawberry-themed project in spring.

You’ll need: bees, strawberries, hearts, caps (leaf tops), and a backing made from construction paper; paint; zipper-seal bags; round stickers; crayons; glue; and scissors.

As the children touch the paint inside the zipper-seal bags, we want to observe and support them while watching how they react.

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Spring laundry

Let’s have fun playing with colors! Here are some spring laundry-themed craft ideas.

Using paint for art projects is great for one-year-olds because it stimulates their senses and creativity.

By freely applying and mixing paint, they can develop self-expression and curiosity.

Making art with their hands and fingers also supports sensory growth by letting them enjoy different textures.

If you’d like to enjoy paint with children who are interested in it, here’s what you’ll need for the spring laundry craft: drawing paper, scissors, paint, origami paper, jute twine, paper towels, and craft glue.

Give it a try!

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Samurai helmet made from a footprint

Make adorable kids’ footprints the star! Here are ideas for crafting a samurai helmet (kabuto) using footprints.

This is a perfect project for anyone who wants to create an item kids can wear on Children’s Day.

You’ll need an envelope, construction paper, paint, sponge daubers, stickers, glue, and scissors.

In addition to making decorations for the venue, having wearable items for the day will boost the children’s excitement! Be sure to try this for Children’s Day.

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A tulip card for Mother’s Day

[Fold, Paste, and Draw] From around age 2! Mother's Day Craft | #childcareideas #craft #diy #mothersdaygift

A tulip card for Mother's Day

Let’s make it by folding and gluing! Here are some card ideas featuring tulips you’ll want to give on Mother’s Day.

If you’re unsure what kind of craft to do for a Mother’s Day event, this tulip card idea will come in handy.

What you’ll need: a card base, teardrop-shaped cutout pieces, crayons, and round stickers.

First, draw on the card base with crayons and decorate with round stickers.

Then fold the teardrop-shaped pieces in half, glue them on, and you’re done! It’s sure to warm the heart.

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