Lovely childcare

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

Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

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 caring for 2-year-olds (41–50)

Playing with empty boxes

[For 2-year-olds] Playing with empty boxes!

Playing with empty boxes

Let’s make the most of scrap materials and play freely! Here are some ideas for playing with empty boxes.

It’s a wonderful activity to enjoy with two-year-olds while bringing out their creativity.

You can add dividers to a box to roll small balls through it, or stack and line up boxes to make tunnels to play with.

Children will expand their own imaginations and come up with many ways to use the boxes.

Through this activity, they can develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness, while enriching their creativity!

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[Childcare] Recommended play ideas for caring for 2-year-olds (51–60)

Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Copycat game

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

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[Instrument Play] If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands

#49 [Instrument Play] “If You’re Happy and You Know It” — 2-Year-Old Class

[Instrument Play] If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands

If you’re doing instrument play with two-year-olds, castanets—which make a sound when you tap them—are a great choice.

And the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is perfect for showing children the idea of tapping the castanets.

First, let them get familiar with the song without instruments and have fun clapping along; then, when they finally hold the instruments, their expression will come across smoothly.

The bright melody and simple lyrics take on a fresh charm when expressed in children’s voices.

Be sure to learn the song together and enjoy the school performance to the fullest.

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Churippu sharippu

tulip sheriff

Churippu sharippu

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.

There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.

It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.

Be sure to try it in your activities.

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bowling

[Ages 1–2] First-Time Plastic Bottle Bowling!!

bowling

Plastic bottle bowling you can freely enjoy making with leftover origami, stickers, scissors, and more.

Start by sticking on small stickers to use those fingertips, and let children feel the joy of “I did it!” with single snips of the scissors.

On a sheet of white construction paper, stick the colorful pieces you’ve cut and the stickers.

Wrap that around a plastic bottle, line them up, and the bowling tournament begins! Roll the ball and enjoy knocking the bottles down—it’s fun and also a full-body activity you can do indoors.

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In conclusion

We introduced recommended childcare activities for two-year-olds! We’ve gathered a variety of ideas, from outdoor to indoor play, so we hope they’ll be helpful for teachers who are thinking, “I’d like to try something new.” Enjoy them together while watching the children’s sparkling smiles!