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 (1–10)

A bookmark made with cherry blossom petals

I tried making a bookmark with cherry blossom petals 🌸—super easy with an iron!

A bookmark made with cherry blossom petals

Let’s try making a bookmark using cherry blossoms.

First, freely arrange cherry blossoms on top of a piece of milk carton cut to bookmark size.

Stack a towel, the bookmark, and a pressing cloth in that order, then press firmly with an iron from above to make pressed flowers.

Be careful not to overheat, as the flowers can scorch—check frequently while ironing.

Once the flowers have adhered to the milk carton, apply packing tape over the top, and glue your favorite patterned wrapping paper to the back.

Finally, punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon to finish.

It also looks cute if you use other flowers like white clover or dandelions.

Please handle the iron with great care.

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Churippu sharippuchildren’s song

tulip sheriff

Churippu sharippu warabeuta

In spring, many children start a new life in a new environment.

If you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy while getting to know the friends and teachers you’ll be spending the next year with, this is a must-see.

This traditional children’s song game, “Tulip Sharip,” helps kids learn the names of their friends and teachers through play.

There are various ways to play: the child whose name is called can sit in the middle of the circle, walk around, and more.

Try incorporating it in a way that suits the children’s ages.

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Spring Eurhythmics

[Activity Introduction] Easy Spring Eurhythmics for Use in Childcare!

Spring Eurhythmics

Eurhythmics, which boosts a sense of rhythm and expressiveness by moving the body while enjoying music.

Let’s try a seasonal eurhythmics activity themed around spring children’s songs and traditional melodies.

By playing along with picture books and illustrations that match the music, you can train not only hearing but also vision.

You can also prepare transparent cut-out items and overlay them on objects around the room.

Changing the rhythm or key of the music is another idea that lets you enjoy various arrangements.

Give this activity a try to enjoy music and movement at the same time.

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[Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Physical Play, and Crafts (11–20)

Flappy butterfly

Angel Land Fukui 'Flapping Butterfly'

Flappy butterfly

In the spring season when nature is in full bloom, why not make a fluttering butterfly? You can create a cute item that flaps its wings just like a real creature.

First, cut colored construction paper with the butterfly’s silhouette in mind.

Next, use pens or paints to draw your favorite illustrations on the paper.

Then, attach a straw along the center of the colored paper so it pinches the middle—and you’re done.

You can flap it around indoors, or take it outside and enjoy the spring breeze as it moves.

Try making a butterfly that’s fun not only to create but also to play with.

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5 Spring Hand Play Activities

Nursery school: Here are 5 spring fingerplay songs that are guaranteed to be a hit.

5 Spring Hand Play Activities

Here are some hand-play ideas themed around songs that capture the warm, gentle feeling of spring.

These spring activities can be enjoyed calmly indoors at nurseries and kindergartens, so why not try incorporating them into your childcare setting? Sing songs that evoke rich natural scenery by expressing spring-blooming flowers and living creatures with your hands.

It’s also recommended to try songs that are sung facing each other, which are perfect for moments of meeting new friends.

Enjoy springtime hand-play with unique movements that match the lively rhythms of these songs.

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Making ladybugs with finger stamps

[Spring Craft] How to Make Ladybugs with Finger Stamps! [Ages 0 and up] (ASMR-style Video)

Making ladybugs with finger stamps

Finger stamps let you enjoy the fun, pitter-patter sensation of pressing paint with your fingertips.

Let’s make a cute craft themed around ladybugs gathering on spring plants and flowers! First, use red and black construction paper to create the ladybug parts.

Once the base ladybug is complete, use paint-covered fingers to add the patterns.

You can model it after species like the seven-spotted ladybug, or encourage children to add patterns freely using their imagination.

Try making this adorable piece that also works as interior decor, such as a spring wall decoration.

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Dandelions in a wet-on-wet painting

Let’s make a familiar spring flower—the dandelion—using the wet-on-wet “bleeding” art technique.

This technique uses water-based pens and water-resistant paper.

Shoji paper or coffee filters are recommended.

Cut the paper into a circle and draw patterns on it with pens in any colors you like.

After you finish drawing, spritz it with water; the colors will gently bleed and spread.

It’s beautiful and fun to watch the colors blend together, whether you plan your design or draw freely.

Attach a base for the dandelion flower and a stem, and you’re done.

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