Lovely childcare

[For 4-Year-Olds] A Collection of Indoor Play and Game Ideas That Get Everyone Excited

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Four-year-olds are starting to interact more with their friends, which also means they experience more inner conflicts.

Be sure to include lots of fun activities and create times when everyone can laugh together.

In addition to outdoor play, it’s great to do plenty of games indoors so children can move their bodies and minds to the fullest.

Indoor play and games aren’t affected by the weather, so it’s reassuring to have a wide variety ready.

This time, we’re introducing a range of games—from classics to ones that engage the body and the mind.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful time filled with the children’s cheerful voices.

[For 4-year-olds] A collection of indoor play and game ideas that will get everyone excited (61–70)

Pasta Twirling Race

[After-school Day Service] Pasta Wrapping Race! 🍝

Pasta Twirling Race

Here’s a perfect indoor activity: the Spinning Pasta Race! Prepare “pasta” by attaching yarn to a paper plate with tape.

On the end of the yarn that isn’t taped down, attach a cardboard tube from a roll of plastic wrap.

During the race, hold the tube and twist it to wind up the yarn.

It’s a fun competition to see who can wind the yarn—your pretend pasta—onto the tube the fastest.

To make it even more exciting, place a cutout of an animal with its mouth open between the paper plate and the tube, and set up a little sign that makes it look like the animal is eating.

Racing each other could be extra fun, too!

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Sorting Game

Sorting Game with Three Colored Balls That Rapidly Boosts Reaction Skills | After-School Day Service in Morioka City

Sorting Game

Let me introduce a sorting game.

Prepare three colors of balls—red, blue, and yellow—and one red box and one blue box.

Catch the ball the teacher throws, and move your body as follows: put red balls in the red box, blue balls in the blue box, and do not catch yellow balls—dodge them instead.

Repeating this movement continuously helps develop reaction skills.

Start with slow throwing speed, and as you get used to it, it’s recommended to increase the speed to make it more fun.

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Signaling Game

A simple game you can play in your room: 'Traffic Light Game'

Signaling Game

Let me introduce a traffic-signal game everyone can play.

The rules are: blue = march in place one step, red = crouch quickly, yellow = look around by shaking your head, and any other color = do nothing.

First, choose one leader.

The leader calls out a color, and the other players perform the corresponding action.

Speeding up and keeping a good tempo will make the game more exciting! It’s best to start at a slower pace at first.

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Number Touch Game

[Therapeutic Play Introduction] Number Touch Game #AfterSchoolDayService #NurseryTeacher #ChildcareWorker #Kanagawa

Number Touch Game

Let me introduce a number-touch game where you touch numbers posted on the wall.

Prepare by writing numbers on pieces of paper and sticking them randomly on the wall.

Have the children memorize the positions of the numbers on the wall.

The teacher calls out a number, and the children touch that number—this is the game.

It also helps train memory and reaction speed by remembering where the called number is.

Adjust the height of the numbers to match the children’s reach and give it a try.

You can also make the numbers easier to remember by using different colors of paper or other creative touches.

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Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

Bomb Game

A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.

The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.

First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.

The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!

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