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[For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors

Four-year-olds are at a stage of major growth toward independence, developing social skills as they learn to express their feelings and thoughts in words and deepen their relationships with friends.

In this article, we’ll share plenty of indoor play ideas that help promote the development of four-year-olds.

From group games that are fun while following rules with friends to creative projects that let them express themselves freely as their imaginations grow, we’ve gathered lots of activities that children can join with excitement!

Even on days when you can’t go outside, let’s spend fulfilling time with children by incorporating a variety of indoor games.

[For 4-Year-Olds] Ideas for Group Games and Craft Activities Indoors (21–30)

The ‘It fell, it fell’ game

[Nursery/Kindergarten] The “It Fell, It Fell” Game [How to Play, Target Age, Variations]
The 'It fell, it fell' game

Let me introduce a quick-reaction game called “It Fell, It Fell.” The teacher says, “It fell, it fell,” and the children ask, “What fell?” The teacher names what fell.

For example, if the teacher says “an apple,” the children should pose as if they’re catching an apple.

If the teacher says “a fist,” the children should protect their heads with their hands so they don’t get bonked.

If it’s “thunder,” they should hide their belly button with their hands.

It might be more fun if you teach the poses to the children beforehand and then start the game so they can join in easily.

Once they get used to it, it’s also recommended to have fun by changing up what “falls.”

Cleaning Eurhythmics

♫49 [Review] This is what the Cleaning Eurhythmics was like
Cleaning Eurhythmics

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!

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!

Color Touch Game

[Brain Training] Color Touch Game that even preschoolers can play
Color Touch Game

Move your body while training your memory! Here’s a color touch game idea.

All you need are hula hoops and color markers.

It’s a simple and fun game that kids as young as three can enjoy! Using the hula hoops and color markers, the rule is to touch the color specified by the teacher and then return to your base.

It’s great because kids can move their bodies while memorizing colors.

Start with one color, and as they get used to it, increase to two or three colors to naturally boost memory and reaction speed.

Give it a try!

Clapping game until you drop

Let's all compete together! [Applaud until you drop]
Clapping game until you drop

It’s a game you can play casually in a compact space, with no special preparations or large area required.

The rules are simple: first, each person takes a sheet of tissue paper and holds it.

Next, raise your hand above your head, drop the tissue, and compete to see how many times you can clap before it falls.

You’ll stretch your body to drop it from as high as possible and move quickly to pick it up, so it becomes a full-body exercise.

The lively clapping sounds fill the room, and it’s great to see everyone smiling and having fun!

Churippu sharippu

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.

There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.

It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.

Be sure to try it in your activities.

Mukkuri Kuma-san

[Group Game] “Mukkuri Kuma-san” | How to Play “Mukkuri Kuma-san”
Mukkuri Kuma-san

Let’s enjoy traditional nursery rhymes! Here’s an idea using “Mukkuri Kuma-san.” Warabe-uta are traditional Japanese children’s songs that are fun because adults and kids can sing and play together.

They have a good rhythm, simple lyrics and melodies, and are easy for children to remember.

For Mukkuri Kuma-san, choose one child to be the bear, and have the other children hold hands and walk in a circle around the bear.

When the song ends, the bear chases everyone.

The person tagged by the bear becomes the next bear.