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

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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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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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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Ball games you can play alone

[Indoors OK] Solo Ball Games: 5 Recommended Picks Even Toddlers Can Do

Here are five ball games you can play by yourself! First: kick the ball yourself, run, and pass it through your legs.

You’ll use your head, too, as you think about how hard to kick.

Second: toss the ball up and pass it through your arms—moving your body is the key.

Third: balance one ball on top of another and keep it still.

Fourth: hold the ball above your head, bend your body backward, pass it through your legs, and catch it—great for flexibility.

Finally, a game using a hula hoop: while the hoop is spinning, move the ball.

You don’t need to throw or kick hard to have fun with any of these, so give them a try!

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kepiko

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Gorilla Game

[Class Activity] Guaranteed to Succeed, Laugh-Out-Loud! Gorilla Game

Let me introduce a game that will have your class roaring with laughter: the Gorilla Game.

Choose one child in the classroom, and have them answer every question from the questioner with the word “Gorilla.” For example, if the question is, “What did you eat for breakfast today?” the child answers, “Gorilla.” Of course, the questioner should react with a funny comeback to the “Gorilla” answer.

This back-and-forth will make the kids burst into laughter.

Make sure the final question sets up a punchline.

Also, the questioner’s reactions are key—add some facial expressions to make it even more exciting.

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Nakajima Junko

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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Air-reading game

An absolute crowd-pleasing vibe-reading game! Perfect for changing up your team’s atmosphere! [Play Warm-Up 25] #TsukoTraining #Icebreaker #WarmingUp #FunGames

Let’s read the room so we don’t overlap with our friends! Here’s an idea for a “reading the room” game.

It’s a unique game that helps elementary school students develop the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s happening around them.

In a group of 4–5 players sitting in a circle, you take turns standing up while calling out numbers.

The rule is simple, but what matters is avoiding overlapping timing with your friends.

Through the game, kids can build awareness of others and quick decision-making skills.

The atmosphere is tense at the start, but when two people stand up at the same time, everyone can’t help bursting into laughter!