Let's make a pretty cherry blossom branch craft using fingerprints to celebrate Spring! It's also a great way to introduce kids to Japanese culture. The cherry blossom represent the beauty of life, new beginnings, and hope. They serve as a reminder to enjoy life. Their significance in Japanese culture goes back hundreds of years. I love seeing them bloom around here and never seem to be quick enough to take pictures forgetting how fast the flowers fall off the trees.
How to make the Cherry Blossom Branch Craft
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Supplies:
- blue construction paper
- craft paint; brown, white, and violet
- paintbrush
- Sharpie
; brown, white, and violet
Instructions:
1. Lightly trace the outline of a tree branch with a pencil, then paint it brown.
2. Pour a little white paint, then add a drop of violet and swirl, but don't mix.
3. Have your child dip their finger into the paint, then press to make the blossoms.
4. Make two side by side thumbprints for the butterfly and outline with a marker.
5. Write, "Hello, Spring!"
Find our Fingerprint Spring Cherry Blossom Tree Craft here! It also incorporates counting making it a fun way to learn.
Books About Japan for Kids
All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids
by Willamarie Moore
Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favorite places, school life, holidays and more!
Celebrate the cherry blossom festival
Learn traditional Japanese songs and poems
Make easy recipes like mochi (New Year's sweet rice cakes) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza or pancakes)
Create origami frogs, samurai helmets and more!Beyond the fun and fascinating facts, you'll also learn about the spirit that makes Japan one-of-a-kind. This is a multicultural children's book for families to treasure together.
Japanese Children's Favorite Stories: Anniversary Edition Hardcover
by Florence Sakade
In this treasure trove of much-beloved Japanese children's stories, you'll meet charming characters drawn from folklore and passed down for generations. These tales about playful goblins with long noses, walking statues, and a delightful hero who just happens to be one inch tall speak of the virtues of honesty, humility and hard work. What better way for a parent to teach than through stories that thrill their children!
Fun Cherry Blossom Resources for Kids
Did you know the Japanese word for these flowering cherry trees is sakura? Find more fun facts + learn about Japan over on the following websites:
Live Cherry Blossom Cam in Washington DC
Blossom Kids - an interactive way to learn about the annual festival held in Washington D.C.
Kids Web Japan - Explore and learn about Japanese culture.
