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)

Kuru-Kuru Touch

[Two Easy Games in 2 Minutes] Simple At-Home Movement Play #4 [Recommended by Childcare Professionals]

Kuru-Kuru Touch

Kurukuru Touch is a game played in pairs with a friend.

One person stands in place, and the other stands facing them.

Decide in advance who will wait and who will run.

At the signal “Ready, go!” the runner circles around the waiting person and, when they come to the front, they touch both hands! That’s the only rule.

The runner can go around as many times as you like, but decide the number beforehand.

It’s also a game that helps practice following the rule of “Touch after running X times,” making it perfect for 4-year-olds!

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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.