[Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy

Relay game

Kiyose Shiraume Kindergarten – Practice relay for the junior class

The relay race, a staple of school sports days, is also recommended for everyday play.

Running is an important movement in children’s developmental process.

With the simple rule of “run toward the finish line,” relays are great because all kids can enjoy them.

Relays and sprints can be enjoyed indoors as long as you have enough space.

Make sure to supervise closely to prevent falls and injuries, and to avoid collisions during baton passes!

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yuri

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Let’s try playing Fukuwarai!

[New Year’s Games] Let’s make a Fukuwarai!

Why not try making a fukuwarai using crayons, scissors, and construction paper? Fukuwarai is a traditional Japanese game said to date back to the mid-Edo period.

First, draw parts like eyes, nose, and mouth on construction paper and cut around each piece.

Then make a base.

For the base, you can either cut pale orange construction paper into a face shape and glue it down, or draw the face with crayons.

Once everything is ready, start arranging the parts.

You can express different emotions—like a smiling face or a sad face—depending on how you place the pieces.

It’s also fun to arrange the parts while blindfolded.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Pool stick fountain & shower

Here’s a fun water play idea for hot summer days using a pool noodle! Secure one end of the noodle tightly to a garden hose with tape, and poke several small holes in the other end.

When you turn on the water, it sprays out of the noodle like a fountain.

Kids will have a blast chasing the spray and running through it! They can also run around, try to catch the water with their hands, and enjoy the sensory experience.

Be sure an adult supervises at all times and that you play on a non-slip surface for safety.

It’s like a little shower—highly recommended as a super fun summer activity!

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kepiko

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Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

[Kids’ Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors (Preschool to Lower Elementary)

Here’s a game called “Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors” that helps children of different ages interact and become friends.

At the cue, “Copycat animal, rock-paper-scissors—go!” everyone strikes an animal pose.

If both partners choose the same animal pose, they earn 1 point; if they choose different poses, they spin around once on the spot.

It’s recommended that teachers and children decide the set of animal poses in advance.

You may see older children teaching the animal poses to younger ones.

Come up with lots of pose variations and have fun!

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mayumi

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Mimic Rhythm Play

A handy game for meeting time: “Copycat Rhythm”

Here’s a follow-the-leader rhythm activity you can enjoy while copying movements.

As you hum the rhythm, the teacher demonstrates by clapping hands and gently tapping their own head or arms.

After watching the teacher’s example, the children play along with the rhythm by copying the movements they’ve learned.

During this time, the teacher should also move together with the children to serve as a model.

Younger children can participate within their abilities.

Older children, once they’re used to it, should try making their expressions bigger and more exaggerated.

Have fun by adjusting the tempo as you go.

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mayumi

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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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Touch & In-Game

Let’s play with balls and balloons! Here’s a touch-and-in game idea.

It’s a wonderful activity that helps children build concentration while having fun.

Spread baskets and colored balls on the floor, and while continuously tapping the balloon to keep it from falling, put the colored balls into the baskets.

In this game, kids use dexterity and reflexes to control the balloon while collecting the balls.

It gets their bodies moving as they play, so try it with children who are great at tidying up!