Lovely childcare

Perfect for Sports Day! Obstacle Course Ideas Recommended for 2-Year-Olds

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Here are some of the most popular parent-child events for two-year-olds at nursery and kindergarten sports days.

Participating together with their beloved parents makes for fun, unforgettable moments for the children! There are plenty of activities with cute, familiar themes like sushi, ice cream, and vegetables.

From being carried in arms to piggyback rides, every event values parent-child bonding and is sure to bring smiles to everyone.

All activities are designed with safety in mind, so feel free to choose ones that suit your child’s stage of development.

Simple Circuits and Movement Play (1–10)

Mini triathlon

Rita, age 2 – Parent-child event at the sports day

Mini triathlon

We’d like to introduce a parent-child event modeled after a triathlon.

This is a parent-child activity: first, transform into a rabbit and make a lively start by jumping! Next, jump over the big box in front of you and crawl through the tunnel made of streamer tape.

After you pass through, the guardian gives the child a piggyback ride, and once you grab the prize medal, you’re at the finish line! Feel free to customize the events leading up to the finish according to the children’s interests and attention.

For preschoolers, trying it solo is also recommended.

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Simple circuit and movement play (11–20)

physical play

[Age 2] Full Power! Physical Play | Sendan Kindergarten, Certified Kodomoen

physical play

How about incorporating “movement play” as an event for the sports day? For example, scooting forward along a balance beam on their bottoms, hanging from a horizontal bar, or crawling under a balance beam.

Doing open-and-close jumps on a mat would be great too.

The activities can be ones that 2-year-olds will enjoy.

It’s fine to include movements that they can do without strain while also adding a little challenge.

Combining several activities into a circuit could be fun as well.

To prevent injuries, be sure an adult always provides support and proceeds with care.

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Handmade ball circuit

[Ages 1–2] Can You Predict the Movement? Handmade Ball Play

Handmade ball circuit

Let’s use a variety of balls! Here are some ideas for a handmade ball circuit.

Prepare palm-sized balls, large balls you can hold with both hands, newspaper, cushioning material, tape, and bags or baskets big enough to hold the balls.

Try events like rolling balls along the floor or collecting balls in bags or baskets—use balls of different sizes and materials to build spatial awareness through play! Using balls that differ in weight and texture will also stimulate children’s senses.

Give it a try!

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Circuit of/for interlocking mats

@mammybear_
Using 100-yen shop interlocking mats and non-slip plates, I made a bumpy road for circuit play. It doesn’t take up much space and is easy to put away.Childcare Made with items from a 100-yen shop #Circuit Play Children's play Recommended
♬ Excited! Cheerful and happy! Whistling ukulele! – harryfaoki

Let’s make a bumpy road! Here are some ideas for a circuit course using interlocking foam mats.

You’ll need interlocking mats from a 100-yen shop, a utility knife, small bowls, and tape.

First, cut the mats into circular shapes.

Next, fit the bowls into the holes and secure them with tape.

Finally, flip the mats over, and you’re done! The key is to place the bowls to match a child’s stride.

Interlocking mats are great because you can assemble the course in any shape you like!

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PET bottle circuit

With its colorful look, it really lifts your spirits! Let me introduce an idea for a PET-bottle circuit.

All you need are 2-liter plastic bottles, tape, and paint.

Many people find it challenging to prepare all the equipment for circuit activities.

This idea is appealing because it makes use of plastic bottles, so there’s no need to buy new equipment.

Try creating a course where you walk across the tops of plastic bottles filled with brightly colored water, keeping your balance as you go!

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Milk Carton Circuit

@kazenomori.piconursery
Super easy! The recipe is in the comments!#Nursery school #HandmadeToys Translation Lifehack Childcare Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #Indoor Play #Milk carton #Pico Nursery
Shuwa-shuwa Honey Lemon 350ml – Sharou

Make it with everyday materials! Here are some circuit course ideas using milk cartons.

All you need are milk cartons and tape.

After cutting the cartons, connect them using an accordion fold.

They can be used as lane dividers, and it’s also fun to incorporate them into activities by putting organza fabric or colorful balls inside the cartons.

For children with allergies, using juice or tea cartons instead of milk cartons is a safer option.

Give it a try!

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Sponge block circuit

[Asunaro Nursery School] Circuit Play (Gather!! Nonoichi Kids)

Sponge block circuit

Let’s build your own course! Here are some ideas for a circuit using sponge blocks.

What you’ll need: sponge blocks, mats, a balance beam, and masking tape if necessary.

Sponge blocks come in a variety of shapes—rectangles, squares, triangles, and cylinders! Use a rich variety of sponge blocks to create your circuit course.

If you combine a balance beam and mats within the course, it’s sure to get kids excited and engaged.

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