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] 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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Letter to Santa

Both Santa and guardians will be grateful! Winter/December Craft Journal: “I Hope This Reaches Santa” — For 4- and 5-year-olds [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Letter to Santa

This is a craft activity to make cute stockings for messages to Santa.

Beforehand, the teacher cuts colored construction paper into stocking shapes and punches holes around the edges.

The children will thread yarn through those holes.

Leave the first length of yarn a bit long and temporarily secure it with tape.

If you wrap the end of the yarn with cellophane tape, it’s easier to thread.

When they finish threading, tie the ends of the yarn together.

On the background paper, have the children glue an origami Santa or draw stars and other decorations.

Finally, have them write their message on the stocking and stick it on.

It’ll be fun to see what messages the children come up with!

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Pac‑Pac Puppet

Vol. 40: “Chomping Puppet from a Milk Carton” – 3-Minute Guide, At-Home Play Series

Pac‑Pac Puppet

A humorous chattering puppet made by reusing a milk carton! It’s perfect for events like Christmas parties, so why not try incorporating it into your activities? If you’re making it with children, the teacher can handle the step of cutting the milk carton, while the kids enjoy drawing the face and decorating it.

Attach a handle to the back of the puppet and use it to open and close the mouth.

It’s a craft you can play with together even after it’s made!

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