Fun for Children’s Day! A Collection of Performance and Play Ideas Recommended for Early Childhood Education
As Children’s Day approaches, many preschool teachers may find themselves wondering what performances or activities to prepare.
You want to make it a memorable day filled with fun events that bring out the children’s brightest smiles.
Here are plenty of engaging ideas perfect for preschools, such as making carp streamers (koinobori), active group games, and seasonal quizzes.
They’re all easy to incorporate with minimal prep and can be adjusted for different ages, so feel free to use this as a reference!
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Fun for Children’s Day! A Collection of Recommended Performances and Play Ideas for Childcare (41–50)
Roulette
Make it with paper plates! Here are some roulette ideas.
How about making a roulette and a sugoroku board to enjoy mini games? You will need paper plates, plastic bottle caps, construction paper, origami paper, paper cups, round stickers, pens, tape, scissors, glue, and so on.
You can finish it colorfully using construction paper and origami in your favorite colors, so have fun while making it.
It also sounds fun to complete it together with children in the senior kindergarten class or the toddler class!
Hoop Play: “Koinobori” (Carp Streamers)
With the arrival of the Boys’ Festival, koi nobori (carp streamers) are a popular decoration for celebrating Children’s Day.
As May begins, you’ll see them more often outdoors.
Why not try a seasonal play activity themed around koi nobori? Stack several hula hoops together, and have the children hold on with both hands.
The key is for them to lie on their stomachs to mimic the gently swaying carp streamers.
When the teacher pulls them backward, they can enjoy the sensation of their bodies starting to move.
Give this indoor activity a try to feel the coming of spring.
Popular song medley in May
Let’s create a Singing Day where everyone gets excited with their favorite songs! Here are some popular May song medleys.
Children are probably getting familiar with various nursery rhymes every day at daycare or kindergarten, right? If you ask each child, “What’s your favorite song?” you’ll likely hear a wide variety of answers.
Plus, let’s enjoy Singing Day by mixing in trending songs from anime and movies! It’s also great to make DIY microphones and costumes.
The appeal is that everyone can have fun in a relaxed and free-spirited atmosphere!
Koinobori rhythm play
Have fun with rhythm games inspired by Koinobori! Hold hands and go around together, clap your hands, stomp your feet—enjoy a variety of movements with the children.
Songs related to Koinobori and Children’s Day (Tango no Sekku) are usually sung only on May 5 or in the few days leading up to it.
So why not try your usual rhythm games and hand-play in a special Children’s Day version? It’ll feel fresh and exciting.
Koinobori Pattern Search Game
A carp streamer pattern-hunting game themed for Children’s Day is sure to get everyone engaged and excited! Let’s add patterns to the laminated carp streamers.
Draw a card and find the specified pattern.
It’s best to start with easy tasks and then try more difficult ones.
If you’re playing with a group, decide the order and take turns.
Searching for a designated pattern among many different ones helps improve concentration, making it a highly recommended activity.
Eurhythmics play
Let’s have fun moving our bodies with hula hoops! Here are some ideas for Eurhythmics (music and movement) activities.
Since children can showcase their daily activities at sports days or performance showcases, both parents and kids will be delighted! How about organizing a Eurhythmics recital using the familiar activities you practice regularly? By moving joyfully with hula hoops, children can not only develop a sense of rhythm but also improve their concentration and stamina.
Learning through play can help nurture a positive attitude toward music and physical activity!
What’s inside the box?
The “What’s in the Box?” game, a staple at recreational events, stays fun without getting old because the prompts change each time.
If you prepare Child’s Day–themed items—like toys kids love or foods associated with Tango no Sekku—it can work well as an event activity.
However, avoid dangerous items or live creatures like those seen on extreme variety shows, as they may scare children and make them fear the game itself.
It’s a great indoor game for times when you can’t go out, offering a unique way to have fun at home.
