[For Kids] Fun Indoor Game Ideas for After-School Day Services

Trump & Card Game

[Tokai Village] I~MO’s Exciting Channel (23): Karuta & Card Games — “Treasure Hunt Karuta” & “Speed Concentration”

We’d like to introduce card games using playing cards or karuta.

Usually, you play with cards on a desk or on a small space on the floor.

This time, try using a large classroom with desks and chairs pushed aside.

If you’re using playing cards, spread out all the cards to play Concentration; if you’re using karuta, spread out the picture cards around the room.

Because the game takes place in a large space, the children will walk around to look for the cards.

A card game with a wide range of movement is sure to get the kids excited.

Playing in teams is also recommended.

You’ll likely hear teammates calling out hints like, “There’s one over there!”

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Nakajima Junko

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Sandwich Game

[Group Play] A Thorough Guide to the Sandwich Game!

Here’s an idea for a “Sandwich Game” that’s a guaranteed hit in after-school care.

Adults holding mattresses play the “bread,” while the kids each become their favorite sandwich “fillings” and run around.

The rules are simple: when you sandwich a child with the mattress, you just say, “I’ll eat you!” And somehow, that’s all it takes to get everyone excited.

Both the chasers and the runners go all-in.

The kids dash around to avoid getting sandwiched, warming up both body and mind.

Even without elaborate setups, the thrill of almost getting caught and the fast pace make it a perfect group game for active days.

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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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Clap-Clap Game

A clapping game you can use for class activities! #MimasakaUniversity

Let me introduce the Clap-Clap Game that always gets the class excited.

The rules are simple: the leader moves both hands, and the participants watch the leader’s movements and clap their hands exactly when the leader’s hands overlap.

It’s a game where you enjoy clapping in sync with the timing.

Carefully observe the leader’s movements and match your timing.

It’s also important for the leader to be creative with their motions to make the game more exciting.

Even if someone claps at the wrong time, it turns into laughter and makes the game even more fun.

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mayumi

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2-beat 3-beat game

Hand-Clap Game with 2/4 and 3/4 Time—Fun for Elementary School Kids

A brain-training hand game where you keep different rhythms with each hand at the same time: the “2-beat/3-beat game.” For example, with your left hand you move up and down to mark a 2-beat rhythm, while with your right hand you trace a triangle to mark a 3-beat rhythm.

Each hand alone is easy, but doing both together is guaranteed to scramble your brain! Start slowly, then gradually increase the speed as you get used to it.

You can adjust the difficulty by switching hands or reversing the movements.

The surprising difficulty will make you laugh, and the sense of accomplishment when you succeed is addictive.

It’s also great for seniors’ brain training, party entertainment, or as an icebreaker at work.

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kojifumi

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Say-and-Do Game

[A must-see for teachers] A lively activity: “Say the same, do the same.”

Let me introduce a game called “Follow What’s Said/Do the Opposite.” The teacher plays the role of the leader, and the students are the participants.

When the teacher says, “Say the same, do the same: right,” the students move to the right.

If the teacher says “left,” they move to the left in the same way.

Next, if the teacher says, “Say the same, do the opposite,” then when the teacher says “right,” the students should move to the left.

If the teacher says “forward,” they should move backward.

As you play, your brain might get confused and you may not be sure how to move.

Stay calm, think it through, and give it a try.

It’s also fun to speed it up as you go!

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mayumi

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Fun with cards! Pig’s Tail

How to Play and Rules for the Popular Kids’ Card Game “Pig’s Tail”

Pig’s Tail is a game where you arrange a stack of playing cards in a ring and play.

The name may come from the fact that the ring of cards resembles a pig’s tail.

Pig’s Tail can be enjoyed by three or more players, and since the rules aren’t complicated, it’s easy to play casually.

Players draw one card at a time from the ring and place it in the center.

If you draw a card with the same suit as the top card in the center, you take all the cards from the center.

There are also local rules, such as being allowed to return cards from your hand when a Joker appears.

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Nakajima Junko

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