Lovely childcare

[Sports Day] Let's Become Olympic Athletes! Parent-Child Events for 2-Year-Olds

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

How about incorporating Olympic events into your sports day?

Here, we’re sharing ideas for parent-child events themed around the Olympics, designed for 2-year-olds.

There are lots of simple races and games you can enjoy together.

Through play, children can discover the fun of exercise and learn the importance of cooperating with friends and parents.

Let’s create a wonderful sports day filled with smiles, where parents and children cheer each other on!

Enjoy a great time with events that capture the excitement of the Olympics!

[Sports Day] Let’s Become Olympic Athletes! Parent–Child Events for 2-Year-Olds (11–20)

Parent-child gymnastics surfing

You can do it at home! Parent-child exercises | Surfing | Coordination training introduction video

Parent-child gymnastics surfing

Let’s join in while training your sense of balance! Here are some ideas for parent–child gymnastics surfing.

First, the parent lies down on their stomach.

The child gently stands on top.

Since the body will wobble, it’s good to stretch both arms out to keep balance.

Once you get used to it, try adjusting the parent’s body height or moving like a wave so the kids won’t get bored.

When trying it for the first time, it’s best to do it in an environment with a mat or futon laid out.

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Playable Archery

[Playable Craft] So easy! A well-flying bow and arrow/archery—how to make it (plastic fork, straw, rubber bands) [Easy craft, recycled play, at-home play, indoor play]

Playable Archery

Let’s make a bow and arrow that flies well! Here are some ideas for a playable archery activity.

Archery is a sport where you use a bow and arrow to hit a target.

This time, how about getting involved from the making process and having fun by using plastic forks, straws, and rubber bands? You can stack paper cups to make a target, or draw a picture on paper to create one.

Try playing together with a parent or guardian, experimenting with timing and how you launch the arrows.

It’s sure to become a valuable time for communication.

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Balloon Trampoline

[Balloon Trampoline] Strengthen the core with crawling movements! #indoorplay #developmentalplay #childcare

Balloon Trampoline

Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.

The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.

All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.

Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.

Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!

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playing horsey

Horsey play & balloon play

playing horsey

Incorporating Olympic equestrian events into a school sports day’s parent–child activities might seem difficult, but if the parent gets down on all fours as the “horse” and the child rides on their back, it instantly transforms into a proper equestrian event! You can adjust the difficulty by adding various obstacles along the course.

If you do it outdoors, using mats can enhance safety and reduce strain on the parent’s knees.

Wearing a horse mask or having the child wear a helmet can make it feel more realistic and safer as well.

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Flag Race

Yusei Sports Day 2: Event Go! Anpanman

How about a flag race for your sports day? In the video, infants use flags featuring their favorite characters.

After starting, they choose the flag they like and head to the finish line.

It’s such a cute event, especially when they’re thinking, “Which one should I pick?” For preschoolers, you could adapt it to use a single flag like beach flags, with a clear win/lose rule—the first person to grab the flag wins—which would make it even more exciting.

It also works well as a parent–child activity, so please use it as a reference.

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Mini triathlon

Rita, age 2 – Parent-child event at the sports day

Mini triathlon

We’d like to introduce a parent-child event modeled after a triathlon.

This is a parent-child activity: first, transform into a rabbit and make a lively start by jumping! Next, jump over the big box in front of you and crawl through the tunnel made of streamer tape.

After you pass through, the guardian gives the child a piggyback ride, and once you grab the prize medal, you’re at the finish line! Feel free to customize the events leading up to the finish according to the children’s interests and attention.

For preschoolers, trying it solo is also recommended.

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[Sports Day] Let's Become Olympic Athletes! Parent-Child Events for 2-Year-Olds (21–30)

Olympic rings hoop-passing relay

The Olympic rings feature the Olympic colors, and just seeing them gets you in the Olympic spirit, doesn’t it? Here’s a parent-child event for sports day that puts a twist on the iconic rings: the “Olympic Rings Hoop Relay.” Connect hula hoops to resemble the Olympic rings, and have children and their guardians crawl through the hoops.

It’s designed for two-year-olds, so it might be just the right size for the kids, but adults will probably only get one leg in and struggle a bit! That uneven challenge is part of the fun in this unique parent-child activity.

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