Lovely childcare

[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.”

[For 4-year-olds] Feel the spring around you! Fun recommended craft ideas (111–120)

Kashiwa-mochi castanets

[Handmade Instruments] With Paper Clay! Kashiwa Mochi Castanets [Children’s Day Craft]

Kashiwa-mochi castanets

Let’s get crafting for Children’s Day! Here’s a fun idea for making Kashiwa Mochi castanets.

Many preschools and kindergartens probably sing children’s songs like “Koinobori” together during Children’s Day events, right? Let’s make Kashiwa Mochi castanets that will come in handy for those moments! You’ll need cardboard or a milk carton, green construction paper, white air-dry clay, buttons, colored pens, glue, craft adhesive, and scissors.

It’s a delightful, event-specific craft—give it a try!

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koinobori rocket

[Children’s Day Craft] How to Make a Koinobori Rocket

koinobori rocket

Carp streamers burst out with energy and excitement! Here’s an idea for a Koinobori Rocket.

When you think of Children’s Day, many people picture koinobori, right? This time, let’s make a toy with a carp streamer motif that you can build and play with! You will need two paper cups, two rubber bands, decorative materials like stickers and colored paper, scissors, a craft knife, and clear tape.

The decoration is very flexible, so it’s sure to spark kids’ creativity!

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Three Selected Sakura Creations

Here are three ideas for making a cherry blossom tree! As preparation, attach a trunk made from cardboard onto kraft paper.

You’ll create the cherry blossoms on top of that.

The first idea is to dip a cork into paint and stamp to create the blossoms.

The second is to drop small amounts of pink and white paint onto the kraft paper, cover it with plastic wrap, and enjoy spreading and blending the paint.

The third is to dye kitchen paper with paint, tear it into small pieces, and glue them on.

I think any of these ideas would be fun for four-year-olds.

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bamboo shoot

[Origami] How to fold a “Bamboo Shoot” <Yoshimoto Comedian>

bamboo shoot

In season in spring! Here’s an idea for making bamboo shoots with origami.

All you need is brown origami paper.

Speaking of bamboo shoots, their defining feature is how quickly they grow.

They’re also rich in dietary fiber and nutrients, and their unique texture and aroma are part of their charm.

Let’s try making this seasonal ingredient with origami.

When using this idea to create a bamboo shoot, the key is to make crisp creases and be mindful of the paper’s width.

The step where you fold in the layered paper requires finger strength, so it’s a good activity to do together with a parent or teacher.

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dandelion

[Origami Spring Flowers] Easy and Cute Dandelion Folding Method | Origami Dandelion

dandelion

Cute yellow flowers! Here’s an idea for making dandelions with origami.

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

Dandelion flowers are characterized by many small petals radiating outward.

Using this idea, let’s make a dandelion flower from a single sheet of origami paper! Since scissors are used during the process, it’s best to work together with a parent or teacher.

Give it a try!

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