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[Sports Day] Circuit Ideas for 5-Year-Olds

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

Five-year-olds are developing better body balance and are becoming able to do a variety of physical activities.

Many preschools and kindergartens include circuit courses in their sports days.

Here, we’ve gathered circuit activities that children can enjoy at sports day.

For example, by incorporating skills like the back hip circle on the bar, vaulting box, and jump rope, children can feel their own growth.

For five-year-olds, it’s their last sports day.

We hope it becomes a sports day where everyone has fun and feels a sense of achievement and satisfaction!

[Sports Day] For 5-year-olds | Circuit Ideas (21–30)

circuit

Sports Day Circuit

circuit

One event that lets parents feel their children’s growth is the circuit.

Like an obstacle course, children make their way through various challenges, but the goal isn’t competition; it’s for parents to see what their children have learned to do.

They might do a forward roll on a mat, roll their bodies, walk on a balance beam, or crawl through a hula hoop…

Avoid including overly complex skills; instead, use activities that are a natural extension of the play they usually do.

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A circuit that’s fun to crawl through

A circuit that works on various movements.

One action I’d love you to include is “crawling through.” There are many kinds of obstacles kids can enjoy crawling through.

For example, stand a folding mat upright in a V shape, set out an arch-shaped play structure, or build a tunnel with blocks.

Arrange a variety of crawl-through setups so children can enjoy the differences in width and appearance.

It’s also a good idea to add height differences before and after the crawl.

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[Sports Day] For 5-Year-Olds | Circuit Ideas (31–40)

Walking circuit

A walking circuit, where walking motions are the main focus, is also recommended.

Try installing equipment that makes the act of walking enjoyable.

For example, you could add mats or cushiony materials to make stepping feel pleasant, or set up stair-like blocks so people can enjoy going up and down.

Placing low blocks on flat ground for participants to step over is also a good idea.

These pieces of equipment are perfect for helping people enjoy moving on to the next activity as well.

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Balance Matters! Circuit

When there are activities that require a sense of balance, participants can enjoy a bit of excitement.

However, setting up tall obstacles can be dangerous, so try to prepare items that are as safe as possible.

One recommended option is a mat.

Roll a mat up into a cylinder and place it on the course.

Then have participants move across it while maintaining their balance.

This way, they can experience a thrill, and because it’s made of soft material, it’s safe even if they fall.

The stability will vary depending on the mat and how tightly it’s rolled, so adjust as needed.

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[High Difficulty] Challenge Circuit

[Asobo Sports Class] 2-Year-Olds' Circuit Challenge! #Sports #Circuit

[High Difficulty] Challenge Circuit

If the usual circuit isn’t quite enough and you want to show parents your child tackling more complex movements, try adding variations to each activity.

For example, on the horizontal bar, have them try a forward roll; for balance stones, set them up with varying heights; and on the soft balance beam, encourage them to walk as quickly as possible.

Even small changes can significantly raise the overall difficulty.

It’s best if the children can enjoy taking on the challenge within a safe, manageable range!

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Ladder crossing

Including a ladder crossing will make the circuit more fun.

First, prepare a ladder or ladder-shaped equipment and set it up with a moderate incline.

If it’s too steep, it can be dangerous, but if it’s too flat, it may feel unsatisfying.

Then, have the children cross it like on monkey bars, moving on all fours.

Crossing it on two feet is also fine.

Being able to choose their preferred way to cross is part of the fun.

Also, please have a teacher stand by nearby so they can provide immediate support if needed.

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Olympic Race

2020.10.3 Hiro’s senior-class sports day – Olympic race

Olympic Race

Here are ideas for events themed around Olympic sports.

Set up a course on a playground or in a gym and let participants enjoy it like an attraction while taking on the challenges.

It’s also recommended to include elements like a ceremony reenacting the torchbearer lighting the flame, or gymnastics events such as the balance beam.

Adding hurdles and a vaulting box to a straight course leading to the finish line will make the race even more exciting.

Try incorporating ideas that give older children a strong sense of challenge and accomplishment.

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