Lovely childcare

For three-year-olds: A collection of craft ideas featuring spring events and creatures that you’ll want to make with your three-year-old

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.

When spring comes, flowers bloom and living creatures become more active.

Three-year-olds are probably discovering many signs of spring through outdoor activities, too.

So this time, we’ve put together craft ideas perfect for three-year-olds to try in spring.

We introduce many ideas that use fun techniques, a variety of materials, and even recycled items.

Please consider incorporating activities that let children experience satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

Because we treat what children make as works of art, we refer to them as “seisaku” (productions) in the text.

[For Age 3] A Collection of Craft Ideas (71–80) to Make with Three-Year-Olds: Spring Events and Creatures

Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

[Spring Craft] How to Make Strawberries with Cotton Swab Stamps! [Ages 2 and up] (ASMR-style video)

Strawberries made with cotton swab stamps

For a spring craft, let’s make bright red, delicious-looking strawberries.

Prepare construction paper, paint, cotton swabs, scissors, and glue.

Cut the construction paper into strawberry shapes, then dip a cotton swab in paint and stamp on the seeds.

If you use a slightly larger amount of paint and thin it well with water first, the seed color will transfer more easily.

Once you glue the calyx to the top of the strawberry, it’s complete.

Cutting origami to decorate around the strawberry or adding washi tape will make it look even more spring-like and festive.

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Wavy 3D butterfly with fluttering wings

[Craft / Making] “Wings-Wobbling 3D Butterfly” Wall Decoration Craft – Preschool/Childcare Craft, Elderly Care Recreation

Wavy 3D butterfly with fluttering wings

The wings sway gently and look so cute! Here’s how to make a 3D butterfly that’s perfect for spring.

First, dip a plastic bottle cap in paint and stamp it onto thin strips of colored construction paper.

You can use both sides of the cap for different effects.

Next, cut out the butterfly’s wings—which will also form its body—using scissors.

Stamp the wings as well, then fold them down the middle.

After that, bring the ends of the first stamped thin strip together to create a 3D wing shape.

Make two of these and attach them to the body wings with double-sided tape.

Finish by adding antennae with a pipe cleaner, and you’re done! These are great for wall decorations too, so try making them with the kids.

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Artworks created using natural materials

Middle Nursery Class April Activities: “Spring Nature Items” (with subtitles)

Artworks created using natural materials

April has just the right climate and is the perfect season for walks and playing in the playground.

Here’s an activity for creating artworks using natural materials like leaves and branches found outdoors.

Prepare a container to collect fallen leaves and other items.

If children decorate their own container with stickers or markers, they’ll feel more attached to it and enjoy the activity even more.

Use cotton swabs to apply glue to the collected leaves and flowers, then stick them onto construction paper.

When placing the items, it’s important to value the child’s sensibilities and let them lead the process.

Once finished, display the pieces and enjoy the artwork!

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Let’s make postcards from elephant dung

Making postcards from elephant dung: Hitachi Kamine Zoo

Let's make postcards from elephant dung

April 28 is Elephant Day.

It is said to originate from the occasion in 1729 when an elephant sent from Vietnam to Japan was presented to Emperor Nakamikado.

Elephants are among the largest land animals—truly enormous creatures! Let’s try making postcards using elephant dung from these big animals.

Put on gloves, then wash the elephant dung to extract the dietary fibers.

Using a blender, combine pulp from a milk carton with water and form it into postcard shapes.

Once it’s dry, it’s done.

Please be mindful of hygiene as you make them!

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Tissue Paper Flowers: Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers

[Spring Craft Activity] [March] [Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers] Tear and roll flower paper, then stick it on with glue! Great for developing fine motor skills! Create a three-dimensional spring scene! [For ages 3–5]

Tissue Paper Flowers: Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers

How about making cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers with the soft, springlike feel of tissue paper? First, spread out pink and yellow tissue paper and tear it up as you like.

Make lots of little crumpled balls from the pieces.

Next, draw a tree on construction paper with brown paint or a pen, and apply glue around it.

Stick the crumpled pink tissue paper on bit by bit to create cherry blossoms.

Then stamp some green around it and add the crumpled yellow tissue paper to make a field of rapeseed flowers.

It could also be a great way to learn about the beautiful flowers of spring.

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