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

[Stamping] Sakura

Sakura stamp play using lactic acid bacteria drink containers

[Stamping] Sakura

How about enjoying a cherry blossom art activity using stamps made from empty lactic acid bacteria drink containers? The teacher should prepare the stamps in advance.

First, firmly attach the lid to the container with vinyl tape.

Next, draw petals with a red pen on cushioning tape (the kind used to prevent bumps) and stick it onto the lid.

For the ink pad, cut a paper cup to half its height, place a sponge inside, and soak it with red and white paint.

Then, press the stamp onto drawing paper with a tree sketched on it—beautiful cherry blossoms will appear.

With this bright, festive project, the children are sure to get excited.

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[Paper Cutting] Colorful Flowers

[For 3-year-olds] Fascinated by blossoming flowers!! “Kirigami Play”

[Paper Cutting] Colorful Flowers

Let’s try making flowers with kirigami (paper cutting)! The number of petals changes depending on how many times you fold the paper, but if you fold it too many times it becomes too thick to cut, so stack only as many layers as your child can cut through.

Also, petals are curved.

It’s harder than cutting straight lines, so go slowly and cut a little at a time.

Once your flower is done, try drawing on it or coloring it.

If you fold all the petals inward and float it on water, the petals will gradually open and you can watch the moment the flower blooms—give it a try if you like!

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[Handprint/Footprint] Piyo-piyo Chick

[Rainbow Art] Introducing 3 Types of March Handprint Crafts!! ~For 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-Year-Olds~ [Nursery School/Kindergarten]

[Handprint/Footprint] Piyo-piyo Chick

At the start of a new school term, it’s a lovely idea to record children’s growth each year with handprint crafts.

In this piece, it’s unique how the handprints are attached to look like flower leaves and chick wings.

The rainbow painted with paint and a sponge is colorful and beautiful, too.

First, squeeze out paint in a length that fits the sponge, then apply it to a lightly moistened sponge.

Press the sponge onto the drawing paper and slide it sideways to paint the rainbow.

After the paint dries, attach colored paper cut into flower and bird shapes along with the handprints to finish.

Using handprints to represent something else can spark children’s imagination about different shapes.

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[Origami] Tulip

[Childcare Craft] Great for spring wall displays too! Easy origami tulips | Origami Tulips

[Origami] Tulip

A tulip you can make with origami is a fun project that even three-year-olds can complete and feel proud of.

First, fold a sheet of origami paper into a triangle.

Fold it into a triangle again to make a crease, then unfold it.

Fold up the left and right sides, offset slightly.

Turn it over, adjust the three corners, and the tulip is done.

Next, make the leaves with green origami paper.

First, fold it into a triangle.

Fold the corners inward, then fold it in half to make a crease.

Along the crease, fold each side upward, turn it over, adjust the corners, and it’s finished.

Kids will be thrilled with the tulip’s distinctive shape.

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[Paper Cup] Koinobori (Carp Streamer)

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

[Paper Cup] Koinobori (Carp Streamer)

With Children’s Day coming up—a favorite for everyone—why not make a koi-nobori (carp streamer)? First, have the teacher prepare by punching a hole in a paper cup.

Then tear various colors of origami paper into small pieces and glue them all over the cup.

Adding a bit of silver makes it shine like scales and looks fun.

Next, attach an eye by drawing a black circle on a round piece of white paper and sticking it on.

Finally, insert a straw into the hole in the cup, and it’s done.

It would also be nice to talk about what May 5th represents and why we display koi-nobori!

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