Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Fun to Make! Recommended Craft Ideas for Spring

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.

In spring, with new admissions and moving up to the next class, you can see children in all sorts of states—excited, nervous, and everything in between.

Many teachers are probably hoping that the children will come to enjoy their days at the preschool/kindergarten.

So this time, we’re sharing craft ideas perfect for spring.

We’ve gathered plenty of motifs that evoke the season—like cherry blossoms, tulips, and ladybugs—as well as ideas you can use for events such as Easter and Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day).

Decorate various areas to wrap your room in a spring atmosphere, and the children are sure to feel cozy and smile!

Give them a try.

Note: Since the things the children make are treated as “artworks,” we refer to them as “seisaku (制作)” in the text.

[Childcare] Fun to make! Recommended spring craft ideas (181–190)

strawberry

Handmade Childcare Video: How to Make Strawberries (Fruit Series 1/3) “How to Make Toy Strawberries” #HowToMakeChildren’sToys

strawberry

Strawberries are a spring fruit that little children love.

How about making 3D strawberries by hand that are perfect for pretend play? You can easily make them using scrap paper like newspaper, a clear plastic bag, green and red tissue paper, and a black permanent marker.

First, crumple the newspaper into a strawberry shape, then wrap it with the red tissue paper followed by the plastic bag.

For the calyx, use double-sided tape to attach the green tissue paper.

Rolling and twisting will make it a fun activity for kids.

Finish by drawing the seeds with a black marker, and you’ll have glossy, delicious-looking strawberries!

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[Childcare] Fun to Make! A Collection of Recommended Spring Craft Ideas (191–200)

Stroll Binoculars

A Little Craft Project: Colorful! Fun Binoculars

Stroll Binoculars

These fun binoculars with colored lenses will spark kids’ curiosity.

You’ll need two toilet paper rolls, colored cellophane, origami paper, ribbon, scissors, tape, and double-sided tape.

For little adventurers, a key tip is to attach a strap so they can wear it around their necks.

Take them to the playground or on neighborhood walks and let the children look around for things—like a “Let’s find signs of spring” game.

It’s also fun to make different colors of cellophane and enjoy the changing views!

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flower decoration

[Nursery/Kindergarten] 6 Easy-to-Make Flower Decorations ♪ Perfect for Wall Displays and Events!

flower decoration

Here are six types of flower decorations that can be easily made with items found in the preschool and are also useful for events.

There are various flowers: ones made with paper tape, punch-out flowers, kirigami flowers, flowers using tissue paper, and flowers made with construction paper.

For the paper tape flowers, you curl the tape into ring-like loops to form petals.

Stick five petals together with glue, then attach a crumpled ball in the center as the flower’s core, and it’s done.

They’re all very simple and, above all, look gorgeous.

The three-dimensional, colorful flowers are sure to boost that springtime excitement!

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Strawberries made with wet-on-wet painting

[No paint needed] Make bleed-style art with water-based pens! How to draw a cute strawberry [Daycare/Kindergarten]

Strawberries made with wet-on-wet painting

Kids love sweet-and-tart strawberries! Their cute shape makes them perfect for spring crafts, too.

Let’s make strawberries that let you enjoy a bleeding/blending effect even without paint! For little ones who aren’t ready to handle paints yet, water-based markers are recommended.

Color water-permeable paper—like coffee filters—with water-based markers, then spritz with water to create a bleed effect.

For the strawberry seeds, use oil-based materials like crayons; once it dries, the seeds will stand out in a fun way! Finally, shape it into a strawberry, make the green calyx from construction paper, and stick it on to finish.

They’re great for wall decorations, so give it a try.

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Footprint art of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

[Growth Record] The Very Hungry Caterpillar footprint art! Handprint butterfly♪

Footprint art of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Here’s a spring craft idea inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved picture book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar! How about footprint art, which is also great for recording your child’s growth? It’s simple yet features delightful pop colors, so your child will enjoy making it too! The idea is to use a footprint for the caterpillar’s body and construction paper for the face.

Imagine the lively, colorful world of the book and try footprints in a variety of colors.

Experiences that aren’t part of everyday life can help your child grow even more.

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Honeybees and a flower field

[Craft Idea] Honeybees and Flower Garden (April/May Spring) (Wall Decorations) (Senior Recreation/OT/Day Service) (Early Childhood Education) (3D) (DIY/Papercraft)

Honeybees and a flower field

Shall we make a spring-themed wall decoration of a flower field with bees flying overhead? First, create a template, place it on yellow origami paper, and make the bee’s body.

Draw the black stripes and face with a black colored pencil or felt-tip pen.

Use the template to make the wings all at once as well.

For the flowers, fold the paper into a circle shape and cut; to add a three-dimensional look, use a pencil to gently curl them.

Vary the cutting style and colors for different flowers to create a rich, varied flower field.

Arrange and glue everything neatly onto a colored construction-paper backing to finish.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Easter egg basket

Let's use a milk carton to make an Easter egg holder!

Easter egg basket

How about a cute “egg holder” you can wear around your neck for an Easter event? This egg holder uses both Easter symbols—eggs and rabbits—and it’s easy to make with a milk carton.

Cover the carton with pink origami paper and cut it into a rabbit shape.

Add arms and legs, and shape the belly so it can hold an egg—then it’s done.

Use it for fun games like an egg hunt, where children find eggs hidden in the yard or indoors, or an egg race to see who can carry the most eggs!

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