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 up close! Fun recommended craft ideas to make (131–140)

Spring flag garland

Spring interior handmade flag garland: how to make it

Spring flag garland

Let’s stylishly decorate your windows and walls! Here are some ideas for spring flag garlands.

You’ll need origami or construction paper in your favorite colors and patterns, scissors, double-sided tape, twine, and a pencil.

First, fold the paper in half and sketch a triangle.

Next, keeping one side connected, cut along the other sides with scissors to make your pieces.

Finally, sandwich the twine between the paper and stick it down to finish! Even with the same method, changing the colors and patterns of the flags will give a different vibe, so it’s highly recommended.

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tree

[Origami] Easy Tree Folding Method with Audio Commentary ☆ Origami Tree Tutorial Tatsukuri

tree

Enjoy spring nature with origami too! Here are some tree ideas.

You’ll need two 7.5 cm square sheets of origami paper and glue or craft adhesive.

It’s a lovely origami project you can enjoy with children while feeling the warmth of spring.

We’ll make a tree using 7.5 cm squares, but you can adjust the paper size to create a tree in whatever size you like! By using glue or craft adhesive to firmly secure the leaves and trunk, you’ll improve the finished look as well.

It’s a fun idea that uses simple materials to express a spring landscape with origami—highly recommended.

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Horsetail made by winding yarn

Here’s a craft idea for making horsetails (tsukushi) using cardboard and yarn.

First, cut the cardboard into the shape of a tsukushi.

Cardboard is stiff, so if cutting is difficult, prepare pre-cut pieces in advance.

Next, tape the end of the yarn to the cardboard and wrap it around and around.

When you’re done wrapping, tape the other end to secure it, then attach the “hakama” section cut from construction paper.

Finally, draw the tsukushi’s face and you’re done! Try changing the yarn colors or making tsukushi with different expressions and display them on the wall!

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Balloon and animal mobile

Balloons and animals too! Easy mobiles made with paper and scissors. DIY Paper Mobiles — balloons & animals

Balloon and animal mobile

Here’s a very cute paper mobile you can make and hang from the ceiling.

This idea lets you craft your favorite shapes out of paper—try spring-inspired motifs like flowers or hot-air balloons.

When you display it, using a tree branch can add a warm, natural feel.

You can also make a base by forming a ring from a vinyl hose sold at home improvement stores and hang the pieces from the ring—it looks adorable too.

It’s also lovely to have young children make spring motifs and decorate freely.

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Milk carton mobile

Fun Mobiles: Let’s Make a Spinning Mobile from a Milk Carton! (Chigasaki Park Experiential Learning Center Umikaze Terrace)

Milk carton mobile

Fun to make, and fun to hang from the ceiling and enjoy! Here are some ideas for making a mobile out of milk cartons.

You’ll need three milk cartons, a 14 cm bamboo skewer or wire, thread, acrylic paint, and craft glue.

In this idea, the collaboration of the moon with a cat and fish makes for an amusing design! You can freely adapt it to suit the design you want to create—whether a cute or cool vibe, animals, or your favorite motifs—so feel free to use this as a reference.

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