[Childcare] Recommended indoor activities and recreation games for April

Signaling Game

A simple game you can play in your room: 'Traffic Light Game'

Here’s a traffic-signal game everyone can play.

The rules are: blue = march in place one step, red = crouch quickly, yellow = shake your head and look around, and any other color = do nothing.

Choose one person as the leader.

The leader calls out a signal color, and the other participants perform the corresponding action.

The game gets more exciting if you increase the speed and keep a good rhythm! It’s recommended to start at a slower pace at first.

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mayumi

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Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

Number Touch Game

[Therapeutic Play Introduction] Number Touch Game #AfterSchoolDayService #NurseryTeacher #ChildcareWorker #Kanagawa

Let me introduce a number-touch game where you touch numbers posted on the wall.

Prepare by writing numbers on pieces of paper and sticking them randomly on the wall.

Have the children memorize the positions of the numbers on the wall.

The teacher calls out a number, and the children touch that number—this is the game.

It also helps train memory and reaction speed by remembering where the called number is.

Adjust the height of the numbers to match the children’s reach and give it a try.

You can also make the numbers easier to remember by using different colors of paper or other creative touches.

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Anything Basket

[5-year-olds] Anything Basket!

Listen carefully, think carefully, and move! Here’s an idea for a “Anything Basket” game.

Are you familiar with Fruit Basket? In this game, participants are assigned the names of fruits like apple, banana, and orange.

The facilitator calls out, “○○ fruit!” and the children who have that fruit name quickly move to the seats designated for that fruit.

As a variation of Fruit Basket, let’s try “Anything Basket.” It’s a great way to develop good listening skills!

Bomb game

[Indoor Play] A Game Enjoyable Across Ages [Bomb Game]

The excitement just won’t stop! Here’s a fun idea for a bomb game.

It’s a great way to build concentration and decision-making skills while playing.

All you need is a device that can play music and a ball or balloon.

Have the participants stand in a circle facing each other.

While the music is playing, pass the ball to the person next to you.

When the music stops, whoever is holding the ball loses—simple as that.

It’s sure to be a hit with preschool classes!

Morning Noon Night game

Indoor games for large groups starting from age 3! Even elementary school kids can have fun while practicing moving quickly!

Here’s an introduction to the Morning-Afternoon-Night game.

You can play it anytime, anywhere, with any number of people, so it’s perfect for filling small gaps of time! When the teacher says “morning,” the children stand up.

For “afternoon,” they sit in seiza (kneel with legs folded under).

For “night,” they lie down right where they are.

The fun is in doing each action as quickly as possible.

Once they get used to it, try adding twists like “duck” or “monkey.” How will the children respond? Will they imitate the animals, get confused, or tell you, “Teacher, that’s wrong!”? That uncertainty is part of the fun of this game.

Drop the Handkerchief

Handkerchief Drop (Tag) – Indoor Exercise Play Recreation [Arranged Version]

It’s a classic game that’s been passed down for years.

On rainy days when we couldn’t go outside, you’d often hear someone call out, “Who wants to play Drop the Handkerchief?!” The thrill of not knowing when the handkerchief will be dropped behind you is the best part.

And April, when the new school term starts, is especially recommended! It’s a great chance to get closer to new friends and helps the class bond, too!

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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