Indoor games that different ages can enjoy! Ideas for fun everyone can get excited about together

big-game hunting

[You can also see childcare in action] Ms. Rio’s active play [Big Game Hunting]

Get the fun going! Here are some ideas for the game “Mōjūgari” (Wild Beast Hunt).

It’s a great way to explore number concepts while playing, so we highly recommend it! The call-and-response is done by having children repeat the teacher’s or caregiver’s lines, so keeping it simple and easy to understand is key.

Rules: The teacher or caregiver tells the children the name of an animal.

The children then form groups and sit down in numbers that match the number of letters in the animal’s name specified by the teacher or caregiver.

Start with animals that have fewer letters, and once they get used to it, switch to animals with more letters so they won’t get bored.

Copycat Game

Imitation Game: Indoor Activities Every Preschool Teacher Should Know!

It’s a mimic game where you imitate animals and have others guess—an animal copycat game.

Without making any sounds, try to mimic the animals by showing their characteristics.

Animals are easy for little kids to understand, right? It also sounds fun to take turns giving the questions as a group.

Especially with small children, you’ll need to remind them not to get so into the impersonation that they end up making animal sounds by accident (lol).

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Gesture Game

[For 5-year-olds] Can you really get into character?! Gesture game!

Move your body to match the theme! Here are some gesture game ideas.

Gesture games are a great way to have fun while staying active indoors.

Imitate gestures based on a theme to act out animals, vehicles, everyday actions, and more! Through play, kids can develop communication skills and creativity.

Once they’re comfortable with simple gestures, try making the themes a bit more complex.

You can just picture children laughing and playing together with friends, teachers, and parents.

Copycat contest

[Kids' Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Race (For Preschoolers to Lower Elementary)

Here’s a fun “Copycat Race” you can enjoy on the spot.

Prepare small chairs or cushions to get started.

The teacher says, “What’s the copycat race today?” and then names an animal or vehicle for the children to imitate.

The children pretend to be that animal or vehicle and go around their own chair or cushion three times.

When they finish, they sit on their chair or cushion to reach the goal.

The first person to sit down wins.

The rules are simple, so it’s a great game for all ages to get excited and play together.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem

Copycat Animals

[Have Fun with Music] Try imitating animal movements with “Copycat Animals”

Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.

Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.

The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.

You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.

It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.

This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mayumi

Report a problem