Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts

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, when the warm sunlight feels pleasant, colorful grasses and flowers bloom and insects become active, giving children more chances to go outdoors and connect with nature.

So this time, we’re introducing fun play ideas that are perfect for spring.

We’ve gathered lots of engaging ideas that spark children’s curiosity—from nature-based activities unique to spring to fingerplays, eurhythmics, and crafts.

As a new school term begins, let’s incorporate plenty of play so children can spend each day freely and joyfully.

Let’s enjoy spring to the fullest!

Please note: In this text, items made by the children are treated as “works,” so we refer to them as “seisaku (制作).”

[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Physical Play, and Crafts (51–60)

Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

'Craft: Magnifying Glass' — Let’s make our own original magnifying glasses and go explore lots of springtime nature!

Let’s look for spring! Making a magnifying glass

Here’s how to make a magnifying glass that’s perfect for spring walks and bug hunting.

Prepare two pieces of thick paper with circular cutouts, construction paper, clear cellophane, tape, and colored pens.

Fold a rectangular piece of construction paper to add strength and shape it into the handle of the magnifying glass.

Attach the handle firmly to the bottom of one of the circular cutouts so it won’t come off.

Place the cellophane over the cutout and stick it down, then trim off any excess with scissors.

Finally, glue the second circular cutout on top, and your magnifying glass is complete.

Use colored pens to decorate it and make your own original magnifying glass!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Pill Bug Made with Paper Plates

Two Types of Paper-Plate Pill Bugs: Spring Wall Display, Craft/DIY Tutorial ❤︎ Paper Plate / Pill Bug / Roly-Poly / For Kids ❤︎ #707

Pill Bug Made with Paper Plates

The pill bug is one of the insects that kids love.

Its habit of curling up into a little ball when touched is one of the charms that fascinates them.

Let’s make a pill bug out of a paper plate.

First, draw patterns on the paper plate with crayons, then paint over it with black paint.

Enjoy how the crayon resists the paint.

Next, cut the paper plate into six equal parts, stack all the small triangles together, punch a hole at the tip, and insert a split pin (paper fastener).

Finally, add a face and legs, and you’re done.

It even reproduces the pill bug’s distinctive movements, so kids are sure to be captivated.

Give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Bug-catching game

Looks fun! …but the cleanup seems tough. #ChildcareWorker #AfterSchoolDayService #AichiPrefecture #TokaiCity #FreeSmile #Recreation #Play #Fluttering #Origami

Bug-catching game

Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.

The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.

The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.

The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.

It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.

Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Broad beans you make by sticking (pieces) on

Spring Craft: “Broad Beans” Easy How-To Explained by a Preschool Teacher (for 2–3-year-olds) #shorts

Broad beans you make by sticking (pieces) on

Broad beans, which are said to be in season from April to June, are perfect for spring crafts.

This time, we’ll introduce a project that uses these broad beans.

Prepare by pre-cutting the pod and bean shapes out of construction paper.

If the children are old enough and comfortable using scissors, it’s also great to let them cut the pieces themselves.

Glue the pod and beans onto a base sheet of construction paper, draw faces on the beans, and you’re done.

The steps are very simple, so even younger children can enjoy making this.

The vivid green of the broad beans is sure to energize the kids even more.

Give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s try growing vegetables

[Age 4] Start here! Let’s try growing vegetables! | Certified Kodomoen Sendan Kindergarten

Let's try growing vegetables

Nurture life and learn the importance of food! Here are some ideas for trying your hand at growing vegetables.

It’s a wonderful way to show children how fascinating nature is and why food matters.

By growing vegetables like eggplant, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, they can watch the thrilling process as seeds sprout and leaves grow larger.

Harvesting and eating the vegetables they raised themselves brings joy and fosters gratitude for food.

With their hands in the soil, it becomes a lovely learning time that helps them feel connected to nature.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem