Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Recommended indoor activities and recreation games for April

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

April marks the start of a new chapter.

Children who are entering or moving up a grade may feel excited about their new environment, or a little anxious—there are many different reactions.

Many teachers are probably wondering, “What should we do?” as they look for ideas that everyone can enjoy and that naturally help children make friends through play.

So this time, we’re introducing recommended games and activities for April.

We’ve focused on games you can start right away indoors, so please give them a try.

You’ll find yourself with more wonderful moments filled with smiles!

[Childcare] Recommended Indoor Activities and Recreation Games for April (21–30)

Crawling tail-chasing game

[Age 3] Crawling Tail Tag & Clothespin Relay

Crawling tail-chasing game

Let’s introduce a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited.

Give each child a “tail” made by braiding plastic ribbon (like florist’s raffia).

The teacher is “it” and chases the children.

At the start signal, the children crawl away to avoid being caught.

If a child gets their tail taken by “it,” they can rejoin the game after doing five jumps and putting the tail back on.

Try swapping who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the game fun!

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Finding commonalities

Finding Common Ground Icebreaker

Finding commonalities

April often brings new beginnings and new structures, which means lots of self-introductions and chances to promote yourself.

But many people are a bit shy and find it hard to put themselves out there.

In those moments, how about a “find something in common” game? Basically, you pair up and simply take turns stating things you have in common.

It can be anything, no matter how small.

As you go back and forth, the tension eases and it becomes easier to feel closer, so it’s highly recommended.

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The “Come here, come here” game

[Toddler Play] “Come here, come here” game — a play activity that even 3-year-olds can do!

The “Come here, come here” game

An indoor game that gets kids moving: the “Come Here” game.

Everyone lines up against a wall, and when someone calls “Come here,” you take a step forward each time.

Little by little, you move away from the wall.

But if instead of “Come here” the caller shouts, “I’m a ghost!” you have to hurry back to the wall so you don’t get tagged.

If you get tagged, you’re out.

The caller may also fake you out with other words that start with the same “o” sound instead of “ghost” (obake), so don’t be fooled—decide quickly whether to run back or keep moving!

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Birthday chain

Game | Birthday Chain

Birthday chain

“Birthday Chain” is a game where everyone lines up in order from the earliest to the latest birthday.

But there’s one important rule: no talking at all.

Everyone has to use gestures to communicate and arrange themselves.

The more people there are, the more chaotic and difficult it gets.

If the group is large, it’s recommended to first sort by month and then line up within each month.

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Copycat Animals

[Have Fun with Music] Try imitating animal movements with “Copycat Animals”

Copycat Animals

Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.

Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.

The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.

You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.

It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.

This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!

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