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

Mochitsuki Hand Game

Mochitsuki hand game – a slightly challenging hand play for two to enjoy – #play #childcare #nurseryTeacher #children #atHomePlay #handPlay #handPlaySong #games #NewYear #January #December #indoors #preschoolers #video

In time with the chant, “Mochitsuki taikai, saa! Konete” (“Mochi-pounding festival—now, knead it!”), pairs of two play a clapping rhythm game called “Mochitsuki Hand Play.” The key isn’t just clapping: you weave your hands through without touching your partner’s, and clap in the open spaces.

It calls for a good sense of rhythm, dynamic visual acuity, and concentration, and when it goes well, the excitement really builds.

Even beginners can enjoy it right away, and it’s great both for dementia prevention and as a party game for adults.

With simple rules, no equipment needed, and playable anywhere, it’s a highly recommended hand game.

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kojifumi

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Goo-Paa Exercise

[Hand Play for Kids] Goo-Pa Exercise (Fist-Palm Exercise)

Goo-Paa Exercise is a simple hand game where you make a fist (goo) with your right hand and place it on your chest, while opening your left hand (paa) and extending it forward.

At the cue “Hai!” you switch hands, alternating the positions of the goo and paa.

It sounds easy, but syncing it to a rhythm makes it surprisingly challenging.

In Level 2, a clapping motion is added, further increasing the difficulty.

In Level 3, you reverse the actions: the hand on your chest is paa and the hand extended forward is goo.

Because it demands instant decision-making and concentration, it’s ideal for dementia prevention and adult recreation.

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kojifumi

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Shooting Catch

Play with scrap materials and colorful balls! Here’s a fun idea for a shooting-and-catch game.

Many schools are probably engaged in SDGs initiatives and recycling activities.

Try creating an opportunity to deepen learning while playing with children using repurposed materials.

You’ll need toilet paper rolls, colorful balls, and a tray.

Stand the toilet paper rolls upright and place a colorful ball on top of each one.

Then slide the tray along the floor to knock over the rolls and catch the balls on the tray—it’s a fun and exciting game!

Butt tag

When we think of tag, we usually imagine running around as fast as we can, but this is a more relaxed version you can enjoy at an easier pace.

The basic rules are the same as regular tag, but the way you flee and chase is different.

Both the runners and the chaser (the “it”) move forward while sitting with their knees up, using only their bottoms and arms.

You must never stand up! Anyone tagged by “it” becomes the next chaser.

To make it clear who’s “it,” it might be good for that person to wear something noticeable like a hat or a sash.

Since foot speed doesn’t matter here, people can play together regardless of differences in physical ability!

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SAKI

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Strikeout

A fun “struck-out” game that helps kids develop both physical movement and thinking skills.

It lets them practice judging distance to the target and supports physical development.

Another advantage is that, through “struck-out,” they can enjoyably improve motor skills and cognitive functions.

Playing with friends or adults also cultivates teamwork and a spirit of helping one another.

You can make a “struck-out” set using familiar materials, so try crafting one by hand to suit your children’s developmental stage!

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kepiko

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Okonomiyaki Game

@kidschallengeclub♬ dear future husband – 여울

My friend transformed into okonomiyaki! Let me introduce the Okonomiyaki Game.

Work in pairs: one person plays the okonomiyaki, and the other is the cook.

The okonomiyaki player lies face down and tries to hold their position so they don’t get flipped over.

The cook’s job is to flip the okonomiyaki by adjusting force and angle.

Set it up in a space with mats, and adding a time limit can make it more fun.

Give it a try!

Wiggly Tail Tag

We’d like to introduce a wiggly tail-tag game that also requires some clever footwork while running.

Use triangular red cones or blocks to create a winding path.

When players face each other, the person closer to the winding path is the runner, and the one farther away is the chaser.

Once they’re facing off, if the runner taps the chaser’s hand, the runner starts escaping along the winding path.

Because the path twists and turns, it’s hard to predict how the tail will move—that’s the key point.

It’s fun to focus, watch the tail’s movement, and think about the timing to grab it.

Once you get used to it, you can make the winding path longer to increase the running distance and make the game even more exciting.

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mayumi

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