[For 2-year-olds] A collection of craft ideas useful for winter childcare
Winter is full of events like Christmas and New Year’s, and it’s a season children in daycare look forward to.
When the cold of winter arrives, many of you may be looking for craft ideas that kids can focus on indoors.
In this article, we introduce many winter craft ideas recommended for two-year-olds.
Try making projects that cover a wide range of themes—pasting construction paper and stickers, drawing pictures, and trying fun techniques.
Because the children’s creations are treated as works (sakuhin), we refer to them as “seisaku” (productions) in the text.
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[For 2-Year-Olds] A Roundup of Craft Ideas for Winter Childcare (1–10)
A kagami mochi made by crumpling tissue paper
Kagami mochi is one of the indispensable traditional decorations for the New Year, isn’t it? For this kagami mochi, it’s recommended that the teacher prepare the base in advance using a sanpō—a tray used for offerings to the gods.
Crumple white tissue paper into balls to resemble the mochi, then glue them on.
Finish by attaching a tangerine (mikan) drawn with construction paper or crayons.
Make it while wishing for a good year to come.
It’s also a good idea to cut the tissue paper a bit smaller so even young children can easily crumple it into shape.
Kadomatsu made from paper towel/toilet paper cores
Kadomatsu are New Year’s decorations traditionally placed at a home’s gate.
You don’t often see them at private homes, but some children may have seen them displayed in front of shops.
This time, let’s make a kadomatsu using toilet paper rolls.
Cover the roll with green origami paper and cut the tip at an angle.
Make three of these and place them in a box made from a milk carton.
Then, use pipe cleaners and decorative pom-poms to add a festive touch.
Since this craft involves scissors, teachers should handle any steps that are difficult for two-year-olds.
Kite made from a plastic shopping bag
Kite flying is a New Year’s tradition that both children and adults can enjoy together.
For a plastic-bag kite, turn a plastic bag upside down so the handle is at the bottom and draw on it with colored pens.
Once you’re done drawing, tie the kite string to the handle.
When tying, bind together three strings—the string from the handle and the two strings that connect the bag to the handle—so the center of the kite line doesn’t shift while flying.
Making the handle from thick cardstock makes it easier to grip and is recommended.
When flying your kite, choose a wide-open area and enjoy it safely.
[For 2-Year-Olds] Collection of Craft Ideas for Winter Childcare (11–20)
Christmas wreath made with a paper plate
These days, you often see seasonal wreaths regardless of the Christmas season.
Wreaths made of wood or metal each have their own charm.
Here, we’ll introduce a Christmas wreath made with a paper plate.
You’ll need a paper plate; sequins and glittery stars and hearts made with a hole punch; glue; colored paper in shades like green and light green; and a string to hang the wreath.
Steps: cut out the center of the paper plate to make a ring for the wreath; glue on green paper and decorate with sequins and punched shapes; thread the string through—and it’s done.
Since the main task is sticking things on, it could be great for a class of two-year-olds.
Electric Shock Demon
When it comes to crafts using origami and crayons that are perfect for two-year-olds, the “Rip-Rip Oni” is highly recommended.
Since Setsubun season brings out the ogre theme, why not try making an ogre with origami this time? Tear origami paper into pieces and paste them onto a backing sheet, then draw the hair with crayons.
Attach horns and facial parts made from construction paper, and finally use a cotton swab as a stamp to dot the beans—then it’s done.
Tearing paper and freely drawing with crayons will let each child’s personality shine, making for truly lovely creations.
It’s a winter origami idea that encourages children’s free expression.
Making ramen with paper-cutting play
A delicious ramen that both kids and adults love, perfect for warming up on a cold day.
Use colored construction paper as a bowl, and make the soup with brown construction paper! Glue yellow yarn for the noodles, then create toppings like menma, green onions, seasoned eggs, and chashu with origami, and glue them on.
With comments like “I’m going to add lots of seaweed!” and “I want extra chashu!”, children can enjoy adding their favorite toppings, making it a wonderful craft full of individuality.
Christmas bell made with a cup
Let’s make Christmas bells that are perfect as holiday decorations.
Cover the outside of a yogurt cup (or similar) with aluminum foil.
Use an awl to make two holes in the bottom, thread a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) through from the inside, and twist it at the base.
Tie a ribbon around the twisted part, decorate the sides with stickers, and you’re done.
For 2-year-olds, have them help with wrapping the foil and decorating with stickers.
The hole-punching step must always be done by an adult, away from the children.