[For 3-year-olds] A roundup of craft ideas to enjoy in summer! Introducing various motifs and techniques
Summer is full of fun events at nurseries and kindergartens, like water play and festivals! But there are also days when it’s too hot to play outside.
On those days, how about enjoying some crafting? Through making things, children can discover new ideas, get inspired, and feel happy.
Here, we’ve gathered summer craft ideas recommended for three-year-olds.
With a variety of themes and techniques, kids can create projects they’ll enjoy.
Please use this as a reference and have fun enjoying summer together with the children! Because the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (制作) in the text.
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[Age 3] A roundup of craft ideas to enjoy in summer! Introducing a variety of motifs and techniques (81–90)
Fireworks with stamps
Let’s try using a toilet paper roll to create fireworks.
It’s suitable for ages 3 and up, and a nice touch is that kids can join in from the stamp-making step! First, make lots of cuts into the toilet paper roll from the edge partway down.
The length of the cuts will change the size of the fireworks.
You can make stamps in various sizes to make it even more fun.
Once the stamps are ready, dip them into paint poured into a tray, then stamp them onto black construction paper.
Stamp away and create your own fireworks just the way you like!
Chocolate banana stall
Why not make a classic festival chocolate-banana stand? If you’re doing this with three-year-olds, the teacher should pre-cut the banana shapes and let the children start from the coloring.
Once the bananas are colored, stick on decorations made from finely cut origami paper.
It’s easiest if you apply glue over the whole banana first and then sprinkle the pieces on top.
Finally, decorate construction paper to look like a food stall, and line up and paste the chocolate bananas to finish! Create a delicious-looking chocolate-banana stand and enjoy a summery vibe.
A summer uchiwa made with a marble run
Let’s enjoy creating summer-themed crafts using the marble-rolling technique.
First, use construction paper to make motifs like shaved ice, chocolate bananas, and water yo-yos.
Place each motif in a tray and let the children enjoy rolling marbles over them.
Because marbles pose a choking hazard, be sure to work in small groups and keep a close eye on the children at all times.
Arrange the finished motifs on a uchiwa (paper fan) base and glue them down, and you’ll have an adorable summer-themed creation! It’s fun to display or take home as a souvenir.
Rainbow shaved ice
How about making rainbow shaved ice that’s perfect for a summer festival pretend play? First, crumple some newspaper and stuff it into a paper cup.
Place a coffee filter over the top, shape it, and secure it with tape.
Prepare several colors of paint thinned with water.
Use a straw or brush to pick up the paint and drip it onto the coffee filter.
If you dilute the paint with plenty of water, it will bleed beautifully.
Once the coffee filter is colored, it’s done! If you’re planning to play pretend, it might be a good idea to have extra materials ready so you can make several.
Paper Cutout Star
Let’s try making a star papercut that could also be used as a Tanabata decoration.
First, fold the origami paper into the specified shape before cutting.
By folding it into that shape and then cutting, it will turn into a star.
After folding the origami paper in half, fold the top-right corner down to meet the bottom edge and the bottom-right corner up to meet the top edge to create an X-shaped crease.
Next, fold the bottom-left corner to the center of the X, then fold that corner back to the opposite side.
Align the right bottom edge with the new edge created by the fold and crease.
Flip the paper over and fold it in half along the center line.
After that, simply cut straight across the top at an upward right diagonal with scissors—and that’s it! Since some steps may be tricky for three-year-olds, work in small groups with adult support.
Painting with ice paints
If you’re looking for a cool idea perfect for summer, why not try painting with ice? This activity involves freezing water mixed with paint and using it to draw.
Prepare a palette with compartments, paints for coloring, and straws to serve as handles.
The key is to mix the paint a bit on the thick side.
When freezing, to keep the straws from tipping over, cover the palette with aluminum foil after the paint is mixed, poke holes, and insert the straws through them.
Slightly thicker drawing paper may also be better, as it’s less likely to tear.
Don’t set a specific composition or theme—let the kids enjoy free drawing.
[For 3-year-olds] Roundup of Craft Ideas to Enjoy in Summer! Introducing Various Motifs and Techniques (91–100)
Making a refreshing-looking swim ring
Let’s make a refreshing craft of animals playing with swim rings using paper plates.
Before you begin, cut out the center of the paper plate.
For 3-year-olds, let them freely draw on the ring-shaped paper plate.
Choose materials like crayons or paint according to your class atmosphere.
It also looks cute if you add small squares cut from construction paper with a single snip.
Once the paper plate is decorated, make the motif that goes inside.
Try different methods, such as pre-cutting construction paper and having the 3-year-olds draw the faces or glue on the parts.
Your adorable craft of animals swimming with float rings is complete!