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)

Mat play

[For 4-year-olds] Movement play using mats! (Ideas for uses beyond just laying them out!)

Mat play

Mat play is often incorporated into childcare settings at nurseries and kindergartens.

It’s an item that enhances exercise safety while supporting children’s play.

The type laid on the floor is well known, but setting it up over a step can turn it into an athletic slope for climbing.

It’s also recommended to combine mats to create a slide-like piece of play equipment.

Mats allow for creative ideas that make a variety of games and exercises more enjoyable.

Try incorporating them into springtime activities to create opportunities for children to deepen their friendships.

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A flower blooming on the water

Flowers blooming on water make for a very spring-like craft.

The method is very simple: take origami cut into petal shapes and fold each petal inward toward the center.

Gently place it on the surface of water, and the petals will slowly open! It’s exciting to see how they unfold.

It’s also recommended to draw flowers on white drawing paper and use those.

Since many flowers bloom in spring, try making them while observing real flowers.

If using scissors is difficult, make them together with a teacher.

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Paper Cup Rocket

[For 4-year-olds] Easy rocket craft using paper cups!

Paper Cup Rocket

This is a craft item made with paper cups, inspired by a rocket blasting off into the sky.

Let’s make a rocket that kids can safely launch anywhere they like! You thread rubber bands through slits cut into one paper cup, then stack another paper cup over it to create a launching mechanism.

Divide the rocket into upper and lower parts, and use origami paper or markers to add drawings.

Adding parts like fins and windows will make it look even more authentic.

It’s a fun, original rocket kids can enjoy both making and playing with—perfect for early childhood education settings.

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In conclusion

What did you think of the spring play ideas? Spring is a season where just taking a walk can be fun, but if you know nature activities using plants and flowers, or have crafts you can play with outside, it will surely make the time even more enjoyable.

Make use of the ideas introduced and enjoy a wonderful time with the children.