[Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy
Three-year-olds start interacting much more with friends and teachers.
You want to watch them grow through a variety of play activities, right?
But when you’re busy every day, it’s hard to come up with new ideas for play…
For teachers with that concern, we’ve gathered play ideas recommended for three-year-olds.
Each idea is something the whole group can focus on and enjoy, so try choosing based on the weather and your class’s mood.
If one becomes a favorite, the children might say, “Teacher, let’s do that again!”
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[Childcare] Recommended for 3-year-olds! Play ideas everyone can enjoy (21–30)
Moving House Game
Let’s move to a distant base! Here’s an idea for a “Moving House” game.
In this game, the cue word is “Moving House,” and children simply move from one mat to another.
Once they get used to it, teachers or guardians can try to interrupt them along the course.
The fun part is seeing whether they can complete the move while avoiding the teachers or guardians! It’s also a great idea for deepening bonds among the children by giving them a shared goal.
Chestnut Ogre
A tag game perfect for autumn! Here’s an idea called Chestnut Tag (Kuri Oni).
It’s similar to Freeze Tag, but the twist is that you transform into a chestnut! Choose one person to be ‘it’ (the oni), and everyone else runs to avoid being tagged.
If you’re about to be tagged, you can transform into a chestnut to create a barrier.
If a teammate touches you, you can start running again.
However, if you get tagged before transforming into a chestnut, move to the spectator area.
Chick Sumo
Fun for everyone from toddlers to adults! Here’s an idea for a “Chick Sumo” game.
In this game, players transform into little chicks—it’s a unique and exciting way to play.
Participants walk around the space in a squatting position, and if their hands or bottom touch the floor, they lose.
While walking and keeping their balance, they’ll have fun and also build core strength and concentration.
The rules are simple, yet it’s enjoyable for all ages, so it’s sure to get competitive! Teachers and parents are encouraged to join in too.
Mukkuri Kuma-san
A game even infants can enjoy! Here are some ideas for the “Mukkuri Kuma-san” game.
Group play is a great opportunity for children to learn communication skills and how to cooperate.
By playing with friends from the infant class, children can develop the ability to understand rules and other people’s feelings.
In this simple game, everyone forms a circle, sings a song, and walks around the “sleeping bear.” When the song ends, the person playing the bear wakes up and tries to catch the children.
Give it a try!
Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game
Make predictions and control your body movements! Here’s an idea for a “Run Away from the Hula Hoop” game.
It’s an active game that lets kids develop their prediction skills and reaction speed while having a blast.
Within the area where the hula hoop rolls, players move quickly in response to its motion and try to avoid touching it—simple rules.
By making predictions and deciding where to move next, children can improve their body control and sense of balance.
Color Search Game
Let’s look for what colors are hiding around the room! Here are some ideas for a color-finding game.
This activity is appealing thanks to its simple and easy-to-understand rules.
Just color some paper with markers, put the pieces into a paper cup, and you’re ready to play! It feels exciting, like drawing lots.
As you play, it helps improve color recognition, making it a fun and educational activity.
Once you get used to the game, try drawing two pieces of paper and combining the two colors—that sounds fun too.
Give it a try!
Ball-grabbing game
@bear_kids_official Ball-grab game!!! Touch the body part you hear—like “head,” “tummy,” or “knees.” When you hear “Change,” switch places. When you hear “Ball!” …grab the ball. It helps develop quick reactions, decision-making, and listening skills. For trial visits or inquiries, feel free to contact us via our official LINE or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you!After-school day serviceChild Development Supportgroup therapy (for children)/group developmental support#Child Development Support (Japan)#After-school day serviceJoto WardNoe#abaIndoor exerciseRecommendation
♬ Comical lively cute sports day – SOUND BANK
Let’s control our actions by following the instructions we hear! Here’s an idea for a ball-grabbing game.
In this game, while touching the body part instructed by a teacher or guardian, you quickly react to the word “ball” and pick up a ball placed on the floor.
Once the players get used to it, you can increase the number of instruction words.
For example, start with three words like “head,” “tummy,” and “bottom,” and feel free to adjust the rules according to the child’s level of understanding and responsiveness.