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 (31–40)

The Falling-Falling Game

[Nursery/Kindergarten] The “It Fell, It Fell” Game [How to Play, Target Age, Variations]

The Falling-Falling Game

“Ochita ochita” is a gesture game where you play out things falling from the sky.

The three things that can fall are an apple, lightning, and a fist.

After the call “O-chita, o-chita! Nani ga ochita?” (“It fell, it fell! What fell?”), if someone says “apple,” you make a pose catching the apple with both hands in front of your chest; if it’s “lightning,” you firmly protect your belly button; if it’s “fist,” you protect your head.

It gets lively if you throw in trick words along the way to see if anyone makes the wrong move.

It’s also fun to add your own original poses.

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Bomb game

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

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!

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Animal Role-Playing Game

[Age 4] Animal Role-Playing Game — Body-Building Games for 4-Year-Olds | Torikai Yui-Kindergarten [Nursery School/Kindergarten]

Animal Role-Playing Game

Let me introduce the Animal Role-Play Game, where you pretend to be animals.

The rules are simple: you become the animal given as the prompt and play by running around cones or avoiding obstacles.

Because you move your whole body, it can really liven up parties and gatherings.

Wearing animal masks or making animal sounds while you play is also recommended.

When you start the game, make sure to secure a spacious area and play safely to avoid injuries!

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Number Touch Game

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

Number Touch Game

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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Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

Bomb Game

A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.

The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.

First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.

The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!

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