[Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds

Circle-Triangle-Square Game

@user5410675310492♬ Yattemiyou – WANIMA

Let me introduce a circle-triangle-square game that makes outdoor play even more fun.

Draw circles, triangles, and squares on the ground.

The leader calls out a shape, and the other children run to that shape and get inside it before the leader can tag them.

It’s also fun to place colored cones inside the shapes and have the children run to the shape or color that’s called or associated.

With a bit of creativity, the game can be expanded in many ways.

It’s a recommended game that tests explosiveness, decision-making, and thinking skills.

Give it a try!

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mayumi

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Fingerplay Quiz

Let’s turn a quick hand-play activity into a quiz to make it even more fun during little pockets of time! In preschools, there’s a familiar hand game where you make things using rock, scissors, and paper—like making a snail with a fist and scissors, or a butterfly with two open hands.

For the quiz part, after saying “Right hand is rock, left hand is scissors,” have the children think about and answer what it could be.

You might hear answers like “A snail!” or creative ones like “Ice cream!” and “A hamburger and chopsticks!” There are endless possible answers, so enjoy coming up with ideas together with the children!

[Ages 2 and up] Shadow Play

What is this!? Let’s play with shadows — a parent-child activity to feel the wonders of nature

Shadow play is something you can enjoy outdoors even on days with strong sunlight.

Wherever light shines, a shadow always appears.

For adults, it’s an obvious phenomenon, but for children it might still feel mysterious.

Try observing the direction shadows form and how their size and sharpness change when you move closer or farther away.

Children might make some new discoveries! Just be sure to watch out for heatstroke when it’s hot.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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English game

[English Games from Age 2] By popular demand: encore requests keep coming! An English game that’s a big hit both for home learning and classroom play! You only need three words.

Let’s play using three words! Here are some ideas for English games.

By engaging with English through play, children can deepen their understanding of different cultures and values and broaden their global perspectives.

This time, let’s try playing using three words.

The words are “clap,” “tap,” and “catch,” so it’s a good idea to explain the actions and rules before starting the game.

Helping children feel close to English from an early age can become a great strength in their future lives.

Cleaning Eurhythmics

♫49 [Review] This is what the Cleaning Eurhythmics was like

Let’s make use of handkerchiefs and organza fabric! Here are some ideas for “cleaning-themed eurhythmics.” Eurhythmics is an educational method that combines music and movement, and it’s said to be especially effective in early childhood.

This time, let’s play with a cleaning theme through cleaning eurhythmics.

By using handkerchiefs, children can move their hands and arms in time with the music.

A nice benefit is that they can develop a sense of force control and rhythm while having fun.

Using light, soft materials also makes them easier for children to handle!

gomudan

Gomdan

Here’s how to play Gomu-dan (rubber band jumping).

First, prepare a flat elastic band, and have two people hold the ends.

Let’s start with a simple jump-over game.

Hold the band at ankle height and jump over it.

Even if your feet catch on the band, it’s a success as long as you make it through to the other side.

Try different ways of jumping, like two-footed jumps, backward two-footed jumps, and cartwheel jumps! You can also raise the height to increase the difficulty and excitement.

Be sure to keep the band pulled tight—if it’s slack, it can be dangerous.

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hiyoko sensei

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Mukkuri Kuma-san

[Group Game] “Mukkuri Kuma-san” | How to Play “Mukkuri Kuma-san”

Here’s a game called “Mukkuri Kuma-san” that both kids and teachers can enjoy together.

The rules are very simple: the teacher plays the bear and pretends to sleep.

The children sing as they quietly approach the sleeping bear.

When the song ends, the bear wakes up and jumps to their feet, and the children run away.

The teacher playing the bear chases the children.

The child who gets caught becomes the next bear.

For children who don’t understand the rules, it may help to teach them slowly and carefully while demonstrating each step.

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mayumi

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