For 3-Year-Olds! Indoor & Outdoor Physical Play and Game Ideas

Ball tag

[Childcare] Ball Tag #tag #nurseryteacher #outdoorplay #childcareideas #kindergarten

Let me introduce a tag game using a soft ball, called “Ball Oni.” Once the tagger (oni) is chosen, the tagger chases the others while holding the ball.

The tagger throws the ball at the players who are running away.

The player who gets hit by the ball becomes the next tagger and they switch roles.

Running and throwing the ball provide full-body exercise.

When playing Ball Oni, be sure to use a soft ball and explain safety rules beforehand, such as not aiming at the head or face.

If you’re in a large area, it might also be good to set boundaries for where players can run.

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Crawling tail-chasing game

[Age 3] Crawling Tail Tag & Clothespin Relay

Let’s introduce a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited.

Give each child a “tail” made by braiding plastic ribbon (like florist’s raffia).

The teacher is “it” and chases the children.

At the start signal, the children crawl away to avoid being caught.

If a child gets their tail taken by “it,” they can rejoin the game after doing five jumps and putting the tail back on.

Try swapping who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the game fun!

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Fruits Basket

[Ages 3–4] “Fruit Basket”

By the time children are three years old, they’re able to play while following basic rules.

That’s when “Fruit Basket” is a great activity to introduce.

One of the charms of this game is that it can be enjoyed in a lively, large group.

The rules of Fruit Basket are very simple: the “it” player shouts the name of a specific fruit, and only the people sitting in chairs who belong to that fruit move to a different seat.

During this time, the “it” player tries to take a seat.

It’s ideal if the teacher can really set the mood so that children who are just learning the rules can have fun too!

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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!

Cat and Mouse

[You can see the childcare in action] Teacher Rio’s active play [Cat and Mouse]

Which team will win? Here’s a game idea called Cats and Mice.

What you need are designated areas for each team.

Make the most of the room so the children can move around freely and play in a spacious environment.

Split into a Cat team and a Mouse team, and play a game where you try to return to your territory without getting caught by the teacher.

It’s a fun activity that makes kids burst into laughter, with the tension of listening carefully so they don’t mishear, and the exhilarating feeling of running away! In the end, which team will have more members? Give it a try!

giant ball

Let me introduce a giant ball that kids will be super excited about.

The method is very simple: inflate a garbage bag and tie it off to make a large ball shape.

Wrap duct tape around it, and you’re done.

If you change the colors of the tape as you stick it on, it becomes a visually fun ball as well.

Hold it, throw it—use your whole body and play freely with the giant ball.

Another plus is that, since it’s made of plastic, it won’t hurt even if it hits your head or body.

It might also be fun to make several of the same kind and play with them like a maze.

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