![[Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/55a09YiJUNg/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds
Two-year-olds are able to do more and start to understand simple rules.
Some teachers wonder how to incorporate a variety of play activities.
Since the range of activities you can suggest depends on the class atmosphere, it’s easy to feel unsure about what to choose.
So, we’ve gathered play ideas recommended for two-year-olds!
We’ve mixed in both outdoor and indoor activities, with rules ranging from very simple to a bit more complex, so you’re sure to find ideas that fit your class.
Have a great time playing with the children to your heart’s content!
[Childcare] Recommended Play Ideas for 2-Year-Olds (1–10)
cardboard basket
Let’s play basketball using cardboard boxes.
At around age two, children can hold a ball with both hands and throw it.
Try using a cardboard box as a goal and see if they can get the ball in.
Having several goals not only makes the game more exciting, but also helps prevent children from bumping into each other.
Use a spacious area in the nursery room so they can fully enjoy playing with the ball.
It will be delightful to watch the children joyfully exclaim, “It went in!” and “I did it!”
Mr. Wolf
How about “Ookami-san,” a game that lets you step into the story world and have fun? Ookami-san is like a mix between tag and a singing game.
While the music plays, everyone walks around and moves in time with the lyrics.
Then, on the cue of “Oookami-saaan!” a teacher wearing a wolf mask appears, or you hear the wolf’s voice.
The chance to enjoy just the right amount of thrill is one of the highlights of Ookami-san.
Let’s play with a little excitement in our hearts.
Moving Game
In the Moving House game, when the teacher signals “Moving house!”, the children move to the opposite side of the classroom.
The goal is to avoid being caught by the teacher standing in the middle.
You can enjoy various variations, such as increasing the number of teachers, moving by crawling, or moving quietly.
Another appeal of this game is that it helps develop quick reactions and decision-making skills.
We hope the children play with excitement, thinking, “Can I escape well?”
[Physical Play] Tail Tag
![[Physical Play] Tail Tag](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/s2-OFc8-97U/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce a fun game to play with friends called “Tail Tag.” In Tail Tag, you tuck a towel into your pants as a pretend tail and try to take each other’s tails.
There are many possible rules, but to start, focus on two points: “take your friend’s tail” and “don’t let your own tail be taken.” Even with simple rules, the thrill of “it might get taken!” and the sense of accomplishment when you manage to grab one are what make this idea so appealing.
Playing shop
Some children may admire the way their parents or guardians shop in everyday life.
That’s where pretend shopping comes in.
In this activity, children split into shopkeepers and customers, then switch roles afterward.
We hope they enjoy making the store’s products, creating the bags and money used for shopping, and exchanging them during play.
The excitement will start even before they begin, with thoughts like, “What kind of shop should I run?” Let’s all enjoy shopping together.
Rock-Paper-Scissors Train
A game that combines playing train and rock-paper-scissors: “Rock-Paper-Scissors Train”! The children sing a song while playing rock-paper-scissors; those who lose attach themselves behind the winner.
Because they move together with friends, they naturally walk slowly, making it great for indoor play.
Let’s learn the rules of rock-paper-scissors while gently touching and interacting with friends.
Rock-paper-scissors can be a good opportunity for communication among children.
Since they might be so absorbed that they don’t watch their feet, be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent injuries.
Indoor Play: Musical Chairs
Let me introduce a musical game of musical chairs.
There are many variations of the rules, but for this version we’ll focus on two points suited to the age group: “walk while listening to the music” and “sit on a chair when the music stops.” Musical chairs is often thought of as a competitive game, but when playing with two-year-olds, it’s recommended to enjoy it as a movement game in time with the music.
Play songs the children love and get them excited!