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 Special Feature on Indoor Play and Game Ideas (71–80)

Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Copycat game

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

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Greengrocer’s shop

No prep needed! 7 rhythm games you can do at daycare♪

Greengrocer's shop

The “Greengrocer’s Shop” is a fun game that’s like a mix of a rhythm game and a quiz.

The teacher sings a song and, at the end, says the name of one item at a time.

If it’s something you’d find at a greengrocer’s, the children clap to the rhythm and say “aru, aru” (“it’s there!”).

If it’s not something you’d find there, they make an X with their arms and say “nai, nai” (“not there!”).

Since quick decisions are needed, mistakes can happen, and opinions may differ.

When that happens, take a moment to pause and discuss together: “Is it there?” “Is it not?”

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chimney game

Chimney Game! Ball Play (4- and 5-Year-Olds)

chimney game

You’ll need a bit of open space to play this game, but I think the kids will love it—so give it a try! For preparation, stand a mat (or something similar) upright and roll it into a cylinder to make a “chimney.” An adult goes inside the chimney while the children wait around it.

At the starting signal, the children throw balls, aiming to get them into the chimney.

The adult should block the balls so they don’t go in, and push any that do get in back out.

It’s a fun active game that will warm up your whole body if you play it in winter.

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Body Rock-Paper-Scissors

[Childcare] 5 Indoor Games and Activities for Hot Days [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Body Rock-Paper-Scissors

Normally, when you play rock-paper-scissors, you use your hands, right? This version lets you play using your whole body.

Let’s start by checking the poses.

For Rock, make your body small like a stone.

For Scissors, turn to the side and spread your arms with your right hand pointing down and your left hand pointing up.

For Paper, spread out both arms and legs to make a big X shape.

The rules are the same as regular rock-paper-scissors, so try playing with a friend to the call of “Jan-ken-pon!” Be sure to play carefully so you don’t bump others with your hands or feet.

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Seated tag

[Indoor Active Play] Have Fun with Seated Tag [Elementary School Kids]

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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