[For 4-Year-Olds] Feel the Spring Up Close! Fun and Easy Craft Ideas You’ll Love

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.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Spring is when colorful flowers bloom and insects begin to move about energetically.

Many teachers may be thinking, “I want children to feel the charms of spring!”

So this time, we’ve gathered spring-themed craft ideas recommended for four-year-olds.

Packed with fun projects that incorporate spring motifs familiar to children—like cherry blossoms, dandelions, butterflies, and ladybugs!

These ideas focus on enjoying self-expression while expanding their imaginations, as well as experiencing a variety of techniques and materials, so be sure to check them out.

Because the children’s creations are treated as artworks, the term used in the text is “制作” (seisaku), meaning “art/craft production.”

[Age 4] Feel the arrival of spring up close! Fun and recommended craft ideas (61–70)

Dandelion Drum

@picoton_craft
Welcome spring with an easy craft: a dandelion × den-den daiko (Japanese pellet drum) made from paper plates!#HandmadeToys Simple craft Translation #dandelion #handcraftideas
♬ Cute – Aurel Surya Lie

Dandelions transform into adorable instruments! Here’s an idea for making a dandelion den-den daiko (hand drum) with paper plates.

You’ll need two paper plates with a rim, a wooden chopstick, green masking tape, ribbon, and beads.

Wrap the chopstick all the way around with green masking tape so it’s safe to use.

Draw dandelions on the outside of the two paper plates, then treat the chopstick wrapped in green tape as the stem and attach it to the inside.

Next, attach ribbons to the left and right sides, and tie beads to the ends of the ribbons on the outside.

Stack and fasten the two paper plates together, and you’re done.

When you spin it, the beads hit the plates and make a sound!

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hiyoko sensei

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Papercut of a dandelion

Let’s make it with scissors! Here are some cut-paper dandelion ideas.

You’ll need yellow origami paper, glue or double-sided tape, scissors, and a compass.

Using the yellow origami paper, cut out three sizes of dandelions—large, medium, and small.

Layering the three sizes will give the petals a three-dimensional look and create a gorgeous finish.

If you also cut green origami paper to make the stem and leaves, it ties everything together beautifully.

Give it a try!

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Sticky Felt Balloon

Here’s an idea for making balloons that make the most of felt’s soft, fluffy texture.

First, cut light blue construction paper into a balloon shape.

Next, cut felt in three colors into triangles or squares.

Finally, use wood glue to attach the felt pieces onto the balloon and make a handle with yarn—that’s it! It’s also cute to display the balloons as if animals or characters are holding them.

Adjust tasks like cutting the paper and using scissors according to the children’s age and developmental stage.

Besides felt, it’s also fun to try various materials like ribbons and beads to decorate the balloons.

Give it a try for inspiration!

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Skeleton cherry tree

A child’s hand turns into a cherry tree trunk! Let me introduce a skeleton-style cherry blossom tree craft.

You’ll need colored construction paper, a pink clear file folder, origami paper, paint, flower petals made with a craft punch, a permanent marker, glue, and scissors.

First, paint the child’s arm up to the elbow and make a handprint.

Next, draw petals on the cut clear file with a permanent marker and attach the craft-punched petals.

Finally, combine the decorated blossom section with the handprint cherry tree trunk, and it’s complete!

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Skeleton Sakura

I’ll show you how to make beautiful, translucent skeleton cherry blossoms.

First, fold and cut origami paper to create a cherry blossom–shaped frame.

Next, trace the cherry blossom shape onto a clear plastic sheet and stick on small pieces of transparent origami.

Finally, layer the frame over the clear sheet and trim the excess with scissors to finish.

Hang them by a window or from the ceiling, and you’ll get colorful light shining through.

If you’re looking for a stylish and cute craft, be sure to give this a try.

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Dandelion fluff made from raffia tape (Suzuran tape)

It looks like the fluffy seeds could float away! Here’s an idea for making dandelion fluff with raffia tape.

You’ll need white raffia tape, scissors, and vinyl tape.

After wrapping the raffia tape, bundle it together, split it finely with your fingertips, and secure it with vinyl tape—this simple method is the charm of the idea.

The more finely you split the tape, the fluffier it turns out, which is really fun! Be sure to try it for a spring craft project.

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Dandelion made from a straw stamp

Let’s make lots of tiny, cute dandelions using a straw stamp! Once you have your straw, snip small slits into the end with scissors.

The length of the cuts will change the size of the flowers, so try different lengths.

Then dip it in yellow paint and stamp it onto paper to make a bunch of adorable dandelions bloom! You can draw stems and leaves with crayons, and using paper cups, origami paper, or wrapping paper to create vases or bouquets would also look lovely.

How about decorating your room with these simple and super cute dandelions?

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hiyoko sensei

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