[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 various motifs and techniques (71–80)
Paper plate wreath
This is a paper plate wreath that boosts your summer mood and makes you feel excited just by looking at it.
First, cut out half of the circular center of a paper plate.
Draw a watermelon on the lower half, and glue origami sunflowers and other decorations to the top.
You can also cut it out the same way and make the lower section an ocean, then decorate it with origami fish and boats.
Another idea is to cut out the center and make a pineapple.
Pack it full of summer motifs to create a tropical vibe!
[Stencil] Uchiwa Fan Making
![[Stencil] Uchiwa Fan Making](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NU8Qh0mEt2w/sddefault.jpg)
How about making uchiwa fans in July using a stenciling technique where kids dab paint stamps onto templates? The teacher can prepare the stencils in advance and have the children dab the paint onto them.
Any summery design works—think of themes that help kids feel the season, like sea creatures, shells, fireworks, or watermelons.
A tip is to use stamp colors that stand out against the background paper.
The stamping process is a lot of fun, so the children are sure to enjoy it.
Osakana Maru Uchiwa

How about making a round fish uchiwa fan that feels like summer? First, cut a circle about 20 cm in diameter out of thick paper, and cut out a finger hole and a fish shape.
Next, cut a clear file to a size that will cover the fish opening and attach it to the thick paper.
Any work using a craft knife should be done by the caregiver/teacher.
Then, cut colorful cellophane and stick it on like fish scales.
Finally, layer and glue another sheet of thick paper on the back, add a round sticker for the fish’s eye, and draw freely around the edges.
When light passes through, the sparkling cellophane looks beautiful and brings a pleasant sense of coolness.
Shaved ice production

On hot days, you can’t help but crave a cold shaved ice, right? Many people probably make sure to have some at festivals.
Let’s make this classic summer treat! You’ll need a paper cup, cotton, tissues, and paint.
Draw your favorite illustrations all over the paper cup, then stuff it full of cotton.
Place torn pieces of tissue on top to create a crunchy ice texture.
Finally, pour colored water made with paint over it, and you’re done.
If you use an actual syrup bottle, it’ll feel even more like a festival! Try making it while enjoying a conversation like, “What flavor do you like?”
Guri and Gura’s Seaside Swim

Let’s try making a craft inspired by the picture book “Guri and Gura’s Seaside Adventure.” First, use blue and white paint on light blue construction paper to create waves.
Prepare the environment so the children can freely express themselves.
Make Guri and Gura using origami—don’t forget their trademark red and blue hats.
Next, cut out two swim rings from construction paper.
Finally, glue all the parts onto the paper, and it’s complete! Just looking at it will make you feel like you’re at the beach.



