[For Kids] Have Fun at After-School Day Service! A Special Feature on Indoor Game Ideas

Plastic bottle balancing game

@soramame.sensei

Hello! This is Kotoba no Kyōshitsu Soramame Kids! This time, it’s a balance game you can play with a plastic bottle♪ You don’t need a cap—use things you already have at home★ Give it a try! 😊#SoramameKidsChild Development SupportAfter-school day service#KagoshimaRehabilitation# developmental support (ryōiku)Easy to preparetranslation#StayHomeTime#HandmadeToys#Indoor PlayParent-child time

♬ Cute and fun marimba pops(1164847) – zomap

Here’s an idea for a plastic-bottle balance game that’s perfect for small-group icebreakers! On party days or recreation days, kids tend to be extra excited, right? This game is great to use at those times.

You’ll need a large plastic bottle, a utility knife, vinyl tape, and about 20 plastic bottle caps.

Cut off the top portion of the large bottle and wrap the cut edge with vinyl tape—that’s all the prep! Players take turns dropping bottle caps into the bottle; the person who knocks the bottle over loses.

It’s a simple game that also lets you see different aspects of the kids’ personalities, making it extra fun.

A game using paper and a ball

@soramame.sensei

This is Kotoba Classroom Soramame Kids! Today we’re introducing a super easy game you can play with just paper and a ball. ✨ The activity aims to: • Improve hand-eye coordination • Promote bilateral hand use Preparation is simple, so you can enjoy doing it together with your child! ✨Speech and Language Classroom#SoramameKidsAfter-school day service#After-school day serviceChild Development Support#Child Development Support (Japan)Speech-Language-Hearing TherapistOccupational therapistNursery teacher / Childcare worker#KagoshimaRehabilitation# developmental support (ryōiku)Recreation#Indoor PlayAt-home play#IndoorPlayChildcareEasy to prepare#CapCut

♬ Go and Be Miserable – Rururu

Finger control matters! Here’s a game idea using paper and balls.

It’s a seated game that uses paper and balls.

Prepare A4 sheets with large printed shapes or motifs, and some colored balls.

To start, it’s best to demonstrate with simple straight lines or squares.

The rule is simple: trace the shapes by controlling the colored ball with your fingertips, making sure not to go off the line.

Once you get the hang of it, try more challenging motifs like hearts, stars, and curves.

Ghost Blitz!

@club_bg

A brain-training game that will scramble your head!? Make split-second decisions and grab it fast!! [Ghost Blitz 2]translationtoyGhost Blitz#boardgames#toy

♪ Original Song – Board Game Club – Board Game Club

It’s a game where various pieces of different colors and types are placed on the table, and you decide whether to take one based on the card that’s revealed.

If there’s a piece matching the color shown on the card, you take it; if not, you say the corresponding correct word instead.

The key is how this corresponding word is determined—the more complex this becomes, the more there is to think about.

Since it’s a game where you have to judge and act faster than others, you get to enjoy quick reflexes and strategic interaction with the people around you.

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kappamaki

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It varies by region! Okinawa’s Finger-Number Game

@okinawa_channel

[Yubisuma] Do the calls/chants differ by region?OkinawaTranslationJun playerNostalgic

♪ Original Song – Okinawa Channel – Okinawa Channel

It seems that Yubi-suma is a game whose name changes depending on the region in Japan.

There are versions called “Yubi-suma,” “Issē no se,” and “Ichi nī no,” among others.

Incidentally, in Okinawa some places call it “Chībaru.” Of course, even within Okinawa there are areas that say “Issē no se.” How about trying Yubi-suma using a chant from a region other than your own? It might be fun to decide which chant to use by drawing lots.

By the way, it’s said that the reason it’s called Yubi-suma is that it spread nationwide after being featured on a SMAP TV program.

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Nakajima Junko

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Kendama Fencing

Let's play kendama fencing! #after-school care #kendama

Let’s play by arranging the game! Here’s an idea for Kendama Fencing.

Fencing is a sport that originated from medieval European chivalry, where two athletes face off one-on-one using swords, right? This time, let’s use kendamas instead of swords.

Split into two teams and keep a distance of about five meters between them.

Choose one player from each team, and have them aim for the opposing team’s side while balancing the ball on the kendama’s cup.

The rule is: when they pass by each other, the player who knocks the opponent’s ball off with their hand advances.

Ball Drop Game

A “Ball Drop Game” in the toolbox

In today’s world, not only adults but also young children are familiar with digital games.

This time, let’s step away from the digital realm and try a simple, everyone-can-enjoy “Ball Drop Game”! First, make a ping-pong-ball-sized hole in a box lid, place a ping pong ball inside, and close the box.

That’s all you need to prepare the game.

The rules are very simple: if you can take the ping pong ball out through the hole, you win.

It’s an easy, gentle activity that small children can enjoy, too.

Perfect for rainy days!

Cardboard Badminton

[Upcycled Play] The blade spins as it falls! Cardboard Badminton <Handmade toy you can make right now> [Easy craft, playable craft] Cardboard, tissues, clear file

Let’s have fun using recycled materials! Here’s an idea for cardboard badminton.

When you think of badminton, you use a racket and a shuttlecock, right? This time, let’s make both pieces of equipment using scrap materials you can find at home, like cardboard.

What you’ll need: cardboard, an A4-size clear plastic file, tissue paper, a permanent marker, tape, a ruler, scissors, and more.

The way the shuttlecock spins around as it falls is unique and really fun to watch!