[For 2-year-olds] Let’s get moving! A collection of ideas for physical play and movement games

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.ChildcareMade with items from a 100-yen shop#Circuit PlayChildren's playRecommended

♬ 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 (the kind you can get at 100-yen shops), a utility knife, small bowls, and tape.

First, cut the foam 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 the children’s stride length.

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

Hoop ball throwing

@omiyamichinoko♪ Classical Medley 2019 (Cover) – Pianica Magician

Hula hoops become the targets! Here’s an idea for a game where you throw balls at hula hoops.

You’ll need two hula hoops, masking tape, and small colored balls.

First, stick masking tape onto the hula hoops to create the targets.

Next, throw the colored balls at the hula hoop targets.

When your aim is spot on, the balls will stick to the masking tape with a satisfying “plop,” which makes it really fun! You can also compete to see how many balls stick to make it even more exciting.

Milk Carton Circuit

@kazenomori.piconursery

Super easy! The recipe is in the comments!#Nursery school#HandmadeToysTranslationLifehackChildcareNursery teacher / Childcare worker#Indoor Play#Milk carton#Pico Nursery

Shuwa-shuwa Honey Lemon 350ml – Sharou

Create with familiar materials! Here are some circuit (obstacle course/track) ideas using milk cartons.

All you need is milk cartons and tape.

After cutting the cartons, connect them with accordion folds.

They can be used as course dividers, and it’s also fun to incorporate organza fabric or colorful balls inside the cartons! If there are children with allergies, using juice or tea paper cartons offers peace of mind.

Give it a try!

Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game

[Group Play] Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game!

Great for group play! Here’s an idea for a “Run Away from the Hula Hoop” game.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

The rules are simple: it’s a game where children try not to get hit by a hula hoop rolled by a parent or teacher.

The key is to move while predicting the hoop’s speed and the direction it will roll.

Once everyone gets used to the game, adding variations to how the hoop moves will keep the kids fully engaged.

Give it a try and include it in your activities!

Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda

[Age 3] Daruma-san ga koronda♪

More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Daruma-san ga Koronda” using hula hoops.

You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.

“Daruma-san ga Koronda” is a traditional game that’s long been loved.

Because the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and kindergartens include it in their activities.

By using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams, you can expand the range of play—highly recommended.

Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!

Handmade ball circuit

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

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

Prepare hand-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 develop spatial awareness through play! Using balls that differ in weight and texture will also stimulate children’s senses.

Give it a try!

Newspaper Spiderweb Circuit

[Ages 0–5] Let’s play boldly! Use the whole room to make a spider web!

Tear it! Stick it! Crawl through and play! Here’s an idea for a newspaper “spiderweb” circuit.

You’ll need ribbon tape (suzuran tape), newspaper, and regular tape.

It’s a great idea when you want to include crawling movements in a circuit.

Some children find tunnels intimidating because they’re dark and long.

By tearing and sticking newspaper as part of everyday play, you can naturally encourage crawling movements! The making process also stimulates children’s creativity—what a lovely idea.