[For 4-year-olds] Crafts to make with preschoolers in July and August: Creative activities that let kids feel the summer

Perfect for summer! How to fold a cicada (origami)

[Preschool Teacher’s Guide: Easy Origami] How to Fold a Cicada—Perfect for Summer

Here’s an origami project idea that’s a bit of a fun challenge for older preschoolers: how to fold a cicada.

It takes concentration to carefully fold the wings and body, but that makes the sense of accomplishment even greater when it’s finished.

Using darker origami paper like brown or black will look realistic, while bright colors create a cute look—your choice of colors brings out individuality.

Adding patterns on the back to make your own unique cicada is also recommended.

If you stick the cicadas on the wall, it will look as if they’re perched on a tree, instantly giving your classroom or room a summery feel.

It’s a perfect summer origami craft that lets kids enjoy the season while developing fine motor skills.

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kojifumi

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Cute paper lantern made with origami

[Preschool Craft] Summer craft! Cute lanterns made with origami ♪ | Cute lanterns with origami

Perfect for decorating summer festivals and events! Here are some cute lantern ideas made with origami.

When it comes to summer events, we think of summer festivals and evening cool-off gatherings.

How about decorating the venue with creations made by children? This time, let’s make adorable lanterns using origami.

You’ll need origami paper in your favorite colors, black origami paper, glue, scissors, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and tape.

The round, plump shape is so cute, isn’t it? Making them in the children’s favorite colors will make it even more exciting.

Swirly soft-serve ice cream

[Preschool Craft] Summer Craft! Swirly Soft-Serve Ice Cream with Origami | Origami Soft Ice Cream

You can make a three-dimensional soft-serve ice cream using origami.

First, let’s make the cone.

For the cone, draw a diagonal curved line on the origami paper as if drawing part of a circle, and cut along the line with scissors.

Draw crisscross lines to mimic a waffle cone, roll it into a cone shape, and secure it with clear tape.

For the soft-serve part, fold the origami paper in half twice.

When you have a small square, perform a squash fold to open it up.

Fold the opened piece in half, then twist it sideways as if rolling it.

Open it layer by layer and secure with tape, place it inside the waffle cone, and you’re done.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Easy-to-understand lantern

Simple Origami “Lantern” Folding Method ~How to Make Summer Festival Origami~ [Easy-to-Understand Voice Guide] | Origami Japanese Lantern

Let’s fold a paper lantern, the kind you often see at summer festivals.

First, fold the origami paper in half, then fold back about 1 centimeter at the top and bottom.

Next, fold it vertically, and fold both sides inward toward the center crease so they face each other.

Then make a small reverse fold, fold the corners into triangles, and form the colored-edge side into a ring and flatten it.

That’s it—you’re done! It’s fun to add a pattern in the middle, and using multicolored origami will give you a vibrant lantern.

Give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Super easy! Shaved ice

[Origami] Super Easy! Shaved Ice / by Tsuma♪

Let’s make a cold and delicious summer classic—shaved ice—using a single sheet of origami paper.

Fold the paper into a triangle, and as you crease it, shape it into a shaved ice form.

The key is to create a rounded look for the shaved ice as you go.

Use bright, summery colors of origami paper.

Once it’s finished, decide what flavor you want and color it with markers.

It’s also a great idea to make fruit or other toppings and add them on.

Give it a try!

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mayumi

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Easy Origami Eggplant

Eggplant with origami — it’s easy. Origami for July, August, and summer. Eggplant (nasu).

Let me introduce a delicious-looking eggplant made of origami—perfect for summer vegetables.

Prepare one sheet each of purple and light purple origami and let’s get started.

Fold the light purple sheet to create the base of the eggplant.

Partway through, cut the dark purple origami into a smaller square and glue it onto the light purple sheet—this is the key step.

That part will become the eggplant’s calyx.

Keep making sharp creases as you shape the eggplant.

Once it’s finished, it’s also fun to draw an eggplant field on poster paper and stick on the completed eggplants to enjoy with the children.

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mayumi

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Stained glass-style fireworks

[Summer Craft] Stained-Glass Style Fireworks! Sparkly, Cute Fireworks to Hold Up to the Sun [For 4-Year-Olds]

How about making stained-glass-style art that can capture the sparkle of summer fireworks? Fold a piece of black construction paper and cut out several triangles.

When you unfold it, you’ll see a fireworks-like pattern.

Next, stick colorful cellophane onto a sheet of parchment paper.

Using lots of different colors will make it look even more like stained glass.

Finally, layer the black paper over the parchment paper, and it’s complete! When light shines through, it glows beautifully.

It seems like the perfect summer craft to spark children’s imagination.