[For 4-year-olds] Winter craft ideas to enjoy at daycare and kindergarten
Children who attend kindergarten and nursery school are likely looking forward to celebrating Christmas and winter events together with their friends and teachers.
In the chilly winter, some people may be looking for events that can be enjoyed not only outdoors but also indoors.
In this article, we’ve compiled a collection of recommended winter craft ideas for four-year-olds in childcare settings.
We’re also introducing activities that involve using their hands and thinking about what to make as they work, which can help nurture concentration and thinking skills through play.
Try making these items that are fun to create and fun to play with!
Because the children’s creations are treated as works, we refer to them as “seisaku” (制作, craft/creation) in the text.
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[For 4-Year-Olds] Winter Craft Ideas for Fun at Nursery School and Kindergarten (11–20)
Pitter-patter Reindeer
Here’s a craft idea for making a reindeer that toddles down a slope.
First, make the reindeer’s body with thick paper (cardstock).
Cut the cardstock into a rectangle and make two slits on each side.
Once the slits are made, fold the middle section as a valley fold and the two sides as mountain folds.
Trim one side of the middle section shorter to create a tail, and attach a reindeer head made from another sheet of construction paper to the opposite side.
The remaining four strips will become the legs, so cut their tips slightly diagonally.
Doing this will make it toddle as it walks! Draw the reindeer’s face, decorate it as you like—such as adding a chenille-stem scarf—and it’s complete.
Kite Flying Made with a Plastic Bag
Kite flying is perfect for outdoor play during the New Year, isn’t it? So let’s make a kite using a plastic shopping bag! First, cut off the handles, the tied section, and the bottom of the bag to make it into a tube, then cut along one side to open it flat.
Next, use a pen to mark a chevron (V-shaped) guideline and cut along it to form a symmetrical, trapezoid-like shape.
Then, reinforce the kite body with drinking straws and attach a string, and you’re done.
You can also let the kids draw freely on the kite’s surface! If you make sure to reinforce key points—like the straw supports and the holes where the string passes through—you’ll end up with a sturdy kite that can be enjoyed for a long time.
Stained glass made with plastic bags
Let’s make stained glass while imagining a winter scene! Handmade stained glass might seem a bit challenging at first, but by using a plastic bag, even 4-year-olds can enjoy the activity.
First, cut black construction paper to create a frame, and tape a plastic bag to fit the frame.
Next, have the children draw any picture they like on the plastic bag with a permanent marker.
Finally, place crumpled aluminum foil behind it and secure it—and it’s done! When crumpling the aluminum foil to create texture, the trick is not to press too hard.
Everyone is sure to feel warmed by the children’s unique and charming creations!
A penguin toy that moves side to side
A unique toy that recreates a waddling penguin’s movements.
It’s easy to make with a paper cup, so it would be perfect for a winter craft activity at a daycare or kindergarten.
First, decorate a light blue or blue paper cup with the penguin’s belly, beak, eyes, and so on.
Next, attach a rubber band to a battery, then slot the rubber band into two slits cut into each side of the cup—and you’re done! To play, simply wind the battery and set it on the floor or a table.
The penguin’s unpredictable movements are sure to get both the kids and the teachers excited!
Snowflake made with origami
Beautiful, eye-catching snowflakes that look festive when displayed on a wall.
Although they’re symmetrical, geometric patterns, you can enjoy making them even with a 4-year-old using origami cutouts.
First, fold the paper into a triangle twice, then open it once.
Fold the left and right sides together, and fold it in half again.
Leaving the folded “loop” side uncut, draw any shapes you like, then cut along the lines with scissors and unfold to reveal a lovely snowflake pattern.
Be careful not to cut off the looped (folded) edge.
Finally, when you open the paper, the excitement of “I wonder what shape it became?” is part of the fun—and it also helps develop thinking skills.
Warm oden made with yarn
When winter comes, it’s the perfect season for oden.
For the daikon in this oden, wrap yarn around a cut paper cup to make it.
If you wind the yarn a little loosely, it gives the daikon a nice plump look—highly recommended.
Dab on some paint with a sponge, and your delicious-looking daikon is done.
To make shirataki, wind yarn around four fingers, then tie the middle—done! Cut a toilet paper roll lengthwise and glue on felt in different colors, and it transforms into a chikuwa that looks just like the real thing.
Make your favorite oden ingredients and enjoy playing winter oden shop!
[For 4-year-olds] Winter Craft Ideas Enjoyable at Nursery Schools and Kindergartens (21–30)
Snowman puppet
When we think of winter, we picture harsher cold and falling snow.
A snowman is a motif that conveys fun and cuteness even in that snowy setting.
This craft is a paper puppet inspired by a snowman, featuring a comical mechanism where the mouth opens and closes.
Fold the facial parts in an accordion style, and color the inner folded area a different shade to clearly represent the inside of the mouth.
Then attach separately made facial features and body parts to finish.
By making use of the mechanism, you can use it in various ways—such as in puppet shows or arranged like a pop-up book.
