Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Winter Projects You’ll Want to Try! Recommended Craft Ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Winter is packed with events like Christmas and New Year’s.

With one fun event after another, children are surely full of excitement.

Plus, winter-specific activities and warm, cozy motifs add color to everyday life.

In this article, we’ll introduce craft ideas to enjoy during the winter season.

If your ideas have been getting repetitive or you’re looking for a hint, please use this as a reference.

Since the things children make are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (production) in the text.

[Childcare] Great winter projects! Recommended craft ideas (191–200)

Liquid-free snow globe

I tried making a snow globe without using any liquid [Handy life hack Christmas DIY]

Liquid-free snow globe

Here’s an idea for making a snow globe without using liquid glue or water.

You can easily make it with an empty plastic candy container and small ornaments from a 100-yen shop.

First, apply adhesive to the bottom of the container and arrange the ornaments.

Put beads—like those from a bead cushion—into the container, then close the lid, and it’s done.

By rubbing the snow globe and a plastic sheet (like a clear file) together and holding the sheet over the globe, the beads inside start to move.

Give this handmade snow globe a try—you can enjoy a science experiment–style play experience too.

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A chimney Santa toy made from a milk carton

[Upcycled Craft] Handmade Milk Carton Chimney Santa Toy [Christmas]

A chimney Santa toy made from a milk carton

Let’s make a cute toy where Santa Claus and a reindeer pop out of a chimney! You can use it for pretend play, too.

First, cut a milk carton to a length of 15 cm from the bottom.

Cut out the bottom piece.

Then wrap the carton with colored construction paper to look like a chimney and glue it in place.

Next, cut out parts for Santa Claus and the reindeer from construction paper.

Don’t forget the house parts that you’ll stick onto the milk carton.

Glue the house parts onto the carton, and attach Santa and the reindeer to the tips of straws to make little puppets.

Draw the facial expressions, the house’s window frames, and the chimney pattern, and you’re done! Move the straws and the puppets will pop out of the chimney.

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Bag for outdoor play

[Crafts] Perfect for autumn! Three bag-making ideas that make collecting fallen leaves and acorns even more fun [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Bag for outdoor play

Let’s head out for a stroll with the kids’ handmade bags! These simple DIY bags can be made with construction paper, an empty tissue box, and paper plates.

For the construction paper, just fold it into a rectangle and staple it.

For the tissue box, remove the plastic film, cut the box in half, and adjust the depth so children can easily reach inside.

For the paper plate, make slits, curve it into a half-moon shape, and fasten it.

Punch two holes in each bag and thread a string long enough for kids to wear crossbody—done! Be sure to cover any sharp stapled edges with tape to prevent injuries.

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wobbling daruma

[Nursery/Kindergarten] Wobbly Daruma Craft with Paper Plates! [New Year]

wobbling daruma

Let’s make a wobbling daruma that can also be used as a winter decoration! First, cut construction paper into a circle and create the outline and facial parts of the daruma.

If you have a circle cutter, it makes cutting much easier, so it’s recommended.

Add decorations to the facial parts and the body, then attach a paper plate folded in half to the daruma to finish.

Simply place it on a desk or floor, and you’ll have an adorable daruma that gently rocks from side to side.

It’s a craft idea that’s fun to make and fun to play with.

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[Childcare] Things to Try in Winter! Recommended Craft Ideas (201–210)

Christmas mobile

[Craft Play] Perfect for Christmas decorations! Christmas Mobile

Christmas mobile

This is a hanging ornament inspired by a Christmas tree, perfect for holiday decorations.

It could be fun to create a design where these small trees are suspended from a larger tree.

Prepare several pieces of paper cut into tree shapes and fold each one in half.

Glue them together along the central fold to form a tree with “wings” spreading in several directions, then hang it with thread to complete it.

It’s a delightful Christmas tree that gently spins with the slightest breeze.

You can also enjoy customizing it by adding a star to the top or combining different colors.

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Christmas wreath

[Craft] 3 Ways to Make Christmas Wreaths [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Christmas wreath

A wreath is a classic choice for Christmas decorations, isn’t it? Since you’re simply decorating a circular form, it’s easy to make—that’s another plus.

The ease of crafting and the sturdiness of the finished piece will vary depending on what you use as the base, so think about what suits the maker and the place where it will be displayed.

There are many possibilities, like a wreath that takes advantage of a paper plate’s curves or one that makes use of the softness of umbrella bags.

Once the base is ready, all that’s left is to decorate it.

Using origami or construction paper in Christmas colors, or adding illustrations, is a great way to showcase individuality through the decorations.

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Rolling snowman

[Preschool Craft] Winter Craft ♪ Cute Rolling Snowman | Snowman with Toilet Paper

Rolling snowman

This is a rolling snowman made from a toilet paper roll and origami.

Cut a sheet of white origami paper in half, apply glue to one edge of each piece, and attach them to a toilet paper roll that’s been cut in half.

Fold any excess paper inward.

Make two identical pieces, then stick them together with double-sided tape to create the base of a cute two-tiered snowman.

Place a hat made from a triangle of origami on top, add the facial features with stickers or a marker, and it’s done! By playing with colors and parts, you can adapt it into all kinds of characters.

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