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

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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Paper Cup Relay

Paper Cup Relay #ElementarySchoolStudents #BoysVsGirls #IndoorPlay

It’s a game where you pull out the bottom paper cup so it drops without toppling the stacked cups, then pass it on to the next person.

You have to judge how to move it to avoid knocking the cups over, which really tests each person’s control of strength and speed.

The relay format—passing it to the next person—is also key, because the pressure of someone waiting makes control even harder.

Precisely because it’s a simple action of pulling the cup out to the left or right, it’s a game that people of all ages can enjoy together.

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kappamaki

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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!

Target shooting

Make Your Own Shooting Game! Easy Craft Using Toilet Paper Rolls (For Ages 3 and Up)

Fun for toddlers and up! Here are some ideas for a target-shooting game.

Among Olympic sports, there’s shooting, where competitors use firearms to hit targets and compete for accuracy.

This time, let’s play a similar game that focuses on aiming at targets.

You’ll need straws, rubber bands, origami paper, tape, masking tape, scissors, glue, and a toilet paper roll.

Using a toy “gun” made from the toilet paper roll, the simple rule is to knock down the targets.

It’s great because everyone—from toddlers to adults—can enjoy it together.

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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Dictation Rock-Paper-Scissors

Indoor Games Recommended by After-School Care Teachers ② [Rainy Day]

Here’s an idea for a writing-based rock-paper-scissors game you can play during rainy-day breaks or in spare moments.

Normally, with rock-paper-scissors, you battle by showing rock, scissors, or paper with your hands.

This time, you’ll complete a kanji while playing.

First, choose a theme kanji, then play rock-paper-scissors.

The winner writes one stroke of the theme kanji on paper.

Repeat this, and the first person to complete the kanji wins!

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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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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