![[For Kids] Let’s Play in English! A Collection of Fun Recreational Activities and Games](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/1DTkjYVsPFY/maxresdefault.webp)
Although English has become a required subject starting in elementary school, many of you may still feel that you’re not good at it.
So this time, I’d like to introduce games and recreational activities that let you learn English while having fun.
Even if you can’t speak in full sentences, there are plenty of ideas for playing with words you already know or combining English with gestures! By having a good time, you’ll naturally pick up English and grow more interested and curious to learn more—so give these a try!
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[For Kids] Let's Play in English! Fun Recreation and Game Specials (1–10)
Let’s pick up game
Let’s answer randomly selected numbers! Here’s an idea for a game called “Let’s Pick Up.” All you need are number cards and reverse cards.
Work in pairs: each player draws one number card, and the first person to quickly read the resulting two-digit number in English wins.
Be careful with the reverse card—it swaps the two digits, and you must say the number accordingly! It’s a unique game where you race to answer faster than your opponent with a thrilling twist.
Give it a try!
What time is it,Mr.Wolf？
It’s a game that’s like an English version of the classic Japanese game “Daruma-san ga koronda,” with the added twist of listening for numbers—that’s the key point.
Players gradually move forward while asking the Wolf for the time, and the gameplay changes depending on what you have to do before it reaches seven o’clock.
If the rule is to put a card in the basket in front of the Wolf and get back before seven, you can also enjoy the strategy of avoiding being tagged, so I recommend it.
Since mishearing a number increases the risk, staying focused on listening might be important, too.
Shape Finding Game
How do you say this shape in English? Here’s an idea for a shape-finding game.
It’s a way to learn English that fits right into everyday life! By finding shapes in your room that are specified in English, you can build vocabulary you can actually use.
For example, try linking everyday objects with words like circle, square, and triangle.
You’ll improve your ability to recognize shapes while learning their names in English at the same time.
It’s also great that you can learn in familiar places!
duck‐duck‐goose
The English version of a game similar to ‘Hankachi Otoshi’ is called duck-duck-goose.
It’s a game that tests your ability to listen carefully to subtle differences in words and act on them—your judgment is key.
Everyone sits in a circle facing inward, and the tagger lightly taps each person’s back in turn while saying “duck.” When the tagger says “goose,” the roles switch: the previous tagger tries to sit in the newly opened spot without being caught by the new tagger.
The anticipation of when “goose” will be said and the thrill of reacting instantly make it an exciting game.
English riddles
No tools required! Easy to incorporate! Here are some ideas for English riddles.
Try making riddles using simple English words! Children are naturally curious and eager to explore, so using words they already know can nurture their desire to level up.
For example, you can start with something simple like, “Which animal is startled with a ‘cat’?” and gradually increase the difficulty.
Be sure to include this in your activities!
Alphabet Bingo
You can start playing from around age 3! Here are some ideas for Alphabet Bingo.
You’ll need bingo cards and a set of cards with one letter of the alphabet on each.
To play, draw one alphabet card and call it out loud.
If the called letter is on your bingo card, place a chip on it.
When your chips line up vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, you’ve got bingo! Once you’re used to the basic rules, try variations like matching with pictures or playing in a karuta-style game.
Fruits Basket
English Twist! Here’s a fun Fruit Basket idea.
Prepare a number of chairs that is one fewer than the number of players.
The rules are the same as the classic Fruit Basket game! Divide everyone into teams by the four seasons.
The game starts with the call, “When is the season?” The person standing in the middle then calls out a specific season.
The team of the season that’s called stands up and moves to a different chair from the one they were sitting in.
If “All seasons!” is called, everyone stands up and switches the chairs they’re sitting in.