Lovely childcare

For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

At age four, children’s vocabulary grows, they start expressing their feelings and thoughts in words, and they can find their own favorite play activities and things they want to try.

This time, we’ve gathered play ideas that are perfect for the development of four-year-olds.

In addition to easy-to-implement indoor physical activities and group games, we also introduce many DIY toy-making ideas that let children freely enjoy expressing themselves while expanding their imagination.

We’ve collected many activities that, through playing with friends, help children experience the importance of following rules and the joy of sharing feelings.

Use these as a reference to find play ideas that match the children’s interests.

For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts (91–100)

Seated tag

A big hit at kindergartens! Introducing Tick-Tock Tag you can start using tomorrow!

Seated tag

“We can’t play outside because of the rain, but I still want to move my body as much as possible today!” In times like these, here’s a childcare-friendly game we recommend: “Seated Tag.” First, the children start in a seated position.

The rule is that they must keep their bottoms on the floor at all times.

Set a time limit, then play tag while staying seated.

Since it doesn’t involve running, it’s safe and fun to play indoors.

It also helps build leg strength as kids move using their legs and bottoms, so be sure to add it to your play repertoire!

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In conclusion

We introduced recommended physical activities, group games, and DIY toy-making ideas for four-year-olds. In large group play, children’s feelings can clash and sometimes lead to conflicts. In those moments, it’s helpful to ask them, “What could we have done?” and encourage them to think for themselves and develop the ability to manage their emotions. Through a variety of play, we hope everyone can share many feelings together and enjoy a wonderful time.