Fun that’s a blast solo or in groups! A collection of game ideas even first graders can do.
First graders are spending each day brimming with excitement and a few jitters as they start school for the first time, aren’t they? Games that help these new first graders deepen their communication while having fun can really put them at ease.
Passing words around to a rhythm, moving their bodies in response to sounds, jumping rubber bands together with teamwork…
In this article, we introduce fun activities ranging from ones kids can enjoy on their own to ones that bring classmates much closer together.
They’re all games first graders can start right away—and they’re sure to bring out lots of smiles!
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A blast solo or in groups! A collection of play ideas even first graders can do (1–10)
A block puzzle you can get absorbed in
Let’s try making and playing with an original puzzle using blocks.
First, make a frame for the puzzle.
Then, create pieces out of blocks so they fit perfectly into the frame.
Since it’s original, the shape of the pieces is up to you as long as they fill the frame with no gaps.
But making these pieces is surprisingly tricky.
Think of it as brain training and have fun creating them.
This puzzle can be played solo or with friends, and since it’s made of blocks, it’s easy to carry around.
It’s perfect for when you want to focus on playing or kill a bit of time.
Ball games you can play with two people!
Balls are very familiar playthings for children, and the ways to enjoy them are limitless! This time, we’re introducing eight ball games for lower-grade students.
In addition to balls, items like hula hoops are used to help kids improve their physical abilities while having fun.
Basically, children pair up in twos and play by throwing or rolling the ball, or dodging a bouncing ball.
There are also games with sport-like elements—such as Copycat Dribble, Hoop Pass Tennis, and Marker Hockey—so we hope even kids who feel uneasy about ball sports will take this opportunity to get interested.
5 Easy DIY Crafts You Can Try
Kids love crafts, but as first graders it can be hard to stay focused for a long time.
So here are some quick craft ideas you can finish in a short time.
You can make five things: a moving boat, a guitar, a fortune slip (omikuji), a ghost that pops out of a box, and a spinning top.
The materials are mostly recyclables—things you likely have at home—such as milk cartons, plastic bottles, wooden chopsticks, straws, ice cream sticks, and plastic bags.
You can play with each item after you make it, so once you’re done, decorate it however you like and put it to use as a fun at-home activity.
Great fun solo or in groups! A collection of game ideas that even first graders can do (11–20)
Cute mini-sized craft
Mini crafts made with easily available materials from 100-yen shops, such as origami paper, straws, and stickers.
You can whip up small items like keychains, mini bags, paper flowers, and wind chimes in no time.
They’re perfect for decorating your room or for small gifts to friends.
With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can make all kinds of accessories, so why not use the ideas introduced here as inspiration to create your own original pieces? Turning your own ideas into tangible form can be a very rewarding experience.
How to Make Dazzling Gemstones
Let’s make a toy that looks like a gemstone when you hold it up to the light.
Prepare two toilet paper rolls and decorate the sides with origami paper.
Cut each roll into four equal rings.
Arrange the rings into circular frames and glue them together, then attach a piece of parchment (cooking) paper to the bottom.
Make a strip of aluminum foil the same height as the frame, form it into a ring, and place it inside the frame.
Finally, stick pieces of transparent origami paper on top in a random collage, and you’re done! Be sure to put several aluminum-foil rings of different sizes into each frame.
That way, you can create multiple gem-like colors within a single frame.
rhythm wordplay
This is a “rhythm word game” where you say prompted words in time with the beat.
Decide on a theme and pass words around that fit the theme.
For example, if the theme is “animals,” after a handclap someone says “Lion, three,” calling out an animal name and a number, then points at someone to nominate them.
The nominated person must say “lion” three times in rhythm and then pass it to the next person.
If you miss the beat or mess up the words, you’re out.
Chinese jump rope
Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.
A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.
The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.
Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.
There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.
It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.
