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)

Santa with a handprint beard and a sticker-decorated tree

[Kindergarten/Daycare] December Handprint Santa with a Beard – Art/Craft Project

Santa with a handprint beard and a sticker-decorated tree

Let’s try a craft that uses children’s cute handprints as Santa’s beard.

First, prepare an oval piece of construction paper for Santa’s face and a sheet of origami paper folded into a triangle.

The origami will become Santa’s body, so patterned paper is recommended.

Next, use white paint to make the children’s handprints on the construction paper.

Once the paint is dry, the teacher should cut out the handprints with scissors.

Then, glue the Santa parts together with the children.

If you also prepare construction paper cut into a tree shape and let the children enjoy placing stickers on it, you’ll have a festive Christmas craft all finished.

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Snowflake made with origami

Easy Christmas origami! How to cut snowflakes ❄️ #shorts / Origami Snow Crystals

Snowflake made with origami

Beautiful snowflakes that look dazzling and festive when displayed on the wall.

Their symmetrical, geometric patterns are sure to delight children when they’re finished.

This activity is suitable for ages 4 and up, once they can handle scissors well.

First, fold the paper into a triangle twice, then open it once.

Fold the left and right sides together, then fold it in half again.

Leaving the folded “spine” intact, draw any shapes you like, cut along the lines with scissors, and unfold to reveal a lovely snowflake pattern.

Be careful not to cut off the folded spine.

Finally, when you open the paper, the anticipation of “What shape will it be?” adds excitement and helps build thinking skills.

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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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