[For 3-year-olds] Winter craft activities and bulletin board decoration ideas for use in childcare
In winter, there are many ways to have fun with children—big events like Christmas, New Year’s, and Setsubun, as well as chances to experience the changing climate and nature through snow and ice.
Many teachers may be thinking about incorporating that wintry feeling into their art and craft activities as well.
So this time, we’re introducing craft ideas to make in winter with three-year-olds.
We’ve gathered a wide range of ideas, from those related to winter events to themes unique to the season—like snowmen and mittens.
We’ve selected activities that will spark children’s interest and curiosity, so please try using them in your childcare setting.
Because the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “制作” (seisaku, ‘creation/work’) in the text.
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[For 3-year-olds] Ideas for Winter Crafts and Wall Decorations Useful in Childcare (11–20)
A torn-paper collage wreath and an origami Santa
By the time children are three years old, they can tear and paste while thinking about their own color and pattern placement.
Why not make a wreath that makes use of that growing ability to think? For preparation, lightly sketch the shape of a wreath with a pencil on white construction paper.
Let the children freely tear origami paper and paste it with glue, using the wreath outline as a guide.
It’s a good idea to provide patterned origami so the wreath turns out lively.
Finally, glue a ribbon on top of the wreath and add a Santa made from origami to finish.
Henshin Mitten
If you play outside in winter, gloves are a must, right? Many two-year-olds probably have mittens that are easy for them to put on by themselves.
These transforming mittens are a craft that lets you enjoy different patterns on the front and back.
On one side, stick on small pieces of cut origami paper; on the other side, draw a face with round stickers and crayons, and decorate with masking tape.
Teachers should pre-cut the mitten bases and glue them together in advance.
Glue them so the inside is hollow and size the base to the children’s hands so they can actually wear them and have fun.
wobbling daruma
Let’s make a wobbling daruma that’s perfect for winter decorations! First, cut a circle out of construction paper and create the outline and facial features of the daruma.
If you have a circle cutter, it’ll help you cut smoothly—highly recommended.
Add decorations to the daruma’s face and body, then attach a paper plate folded in half to the back of the daruma to finish.
When placed on a table or the floor, the daruma gently rocks from side to side and looks super cute.
It’s a craft that’s fun to make and fun to play with.
Penguin footprint art
This penguin footprint art is perfect for recording children’s growth.
You don’t need many materials, so it’s easy to try! First, trace both of the children’s feet onto colored paper, cut them out into penguin shapes, then add eyes made from round stickers, a beak, and feet to finish.
If you’re going to display them on a wall, you can tear origami paper to look like ice and combine the pieces, or add other animals like seals and polar bears to create a wonderful piece.
The step of taking the footprints will likely become a memorable experience for the children as well.
Tree made using natural materials
Let’s make a tree using natural materials like acorns and fallen leaves! You can turn collecting the materials into a childcare activity by picking them up during a walk or outdoor play.
Be sure to prevent bugs by thoroughly drying or boiling the collected items.
Once the materials are ready, simply glue them onto a triangular piece of cardboard.
To give it a Christmas feel, it’s a good idea to prepare red berries and star motifs as well.
Let’s watch over the children as they work and see what kinds of creations they come up with.
Snowman made with tissue paper
A fluffy snowman made with tissue paper—the tissue snowman.
It’s a great idea for a collaborative craft that kids and adults can make together.
Fold the four corners of a tissue and secure them with tape, then fold it further into a rounded shape; make two of these pieces.
Tear some tissues and glue them onto a backing sheet to represent piled-up snow, then stick on the two rounded pieces you made earlier.
Create a snowfall scene with small torn bits of tissue, and use a long, thin strip of tissue to make a scarf.
Finally, draw the snowman’s face, the scarf pattern, and a hat with colored pens to complete it.
[Age 3] Winter craft activities and bulletin board decoration ideas you can use in childcare (21–30)
Snowman Fashion Show
How about a snowman fashion show as a winter craft idea that lets children’s rich expressive abilities shine? They can decorate white circular origami pieces that serve as the snowman’s body parts.
Have them glue on anything they like—make a scarf with yarn, use buttons or ribbons to create the facial features, and more.
When the children work on it, it’s best to prepare colorful paper and stickers.
Give this indoor, winter-themed craft a try!