Recommended for upper elementary grades! Exciting indoor recreation and games
Ever find yourself unsure what to do for upper-elementary recreation time? Wouldn’t it be perfect to have activities that not only get kids moving but also build teamwork and social awareness? Here, we’ve gathered ideas that make full use of collaboration and brainpower—from a game where you stack cups by working together, to psychological battles that test your timing and when to jump in.
Everything can be done with familiar, easy-to-find materials and will get the whole class excited.
Have fun with your friends!
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Reaction Game
https://www.tiktok.com/@otnasobi_ehime/video/7129096193015123202Listen carefully to the instructions and move quickly—that’s the key! Here’s an idea for a reaction game.
It’s a great recreational activity for when you want to move your body even indoors.
All you need to prepare are items like color markers.
Once two people stand facing each other in pairs, you’re ready to go! When the game starts, march in place and touch the indicated part of your own body.
It’s a simple game where, when the caller says something like “elbow,” you grab the color marker.
Give it a try!
slacklining
Do you know the activity called slacklining? It’s a sport like a rubber-band version of tightrope walking, where you walk or jump on a slightly wider band.
It’s an activity that requires balance and body awareness.
It may seem very difficult, but how about starting by just trying to walk without falling? Once you can walk, try a small jump and get the hang of the landing, and so on.
You might just get hooked!
A recreational activity incorporating parkour
Let’s work on improving children’s athletic abilities! Here are some ideas for activities that incorporate parkour.
Parkour is a culture originating in France; by integrating movements like running, jumping, and climbing, it trains the mind and body and aims for artistic movement.
In recent years, we’ve been seeing it more often on social media, haven’t we? This time, let’s create a course using boxes and mats made of soft materials and try parkour.
It’s a wonderful idea that helps children understand weight transfer and how to use their bodies.
Pedometer Battle
This is the “Pedometer Game,” where you strap on a pedometer and move your body as hard as you can for one minute to see who gets the highest count.
How about taking it up a notch by wearing lots of pedometers? Try going wild with six pedometers in total—on your head, waist, both hands, and both feet! Watching someone go all out and flail around is exciting and fun for everyone.
Who will end up with the highest total count?
table tennis
Let’s all try playing table tennis! There are places like schools and public facilities that have tables available.
Recently, you can even buy nets, paddles, and balls that can be set up on a regular table, even if you don’t have a proper table tennis table.
With those, you can easily enjoy a casual game with a small group wherever there’s a table, even in a slightly tight space.
Let’s add a referee and try playing by the official rules!
Fluffy Tennis Using Scrap Materials
Here’s an idea for fluffy tennis using recycled materials.
Tennis usually involves a racket and a ball, but this time let’s try tennis using a plastic bottle and a bag! You’ll need a plastic bottle, a bag, stickers, a pen, and masking tape.
Draw your favorite illustrations on the bag, then fill it with air.
Decorating the plastic bottle freely with masking tape and stickers will get everyone excited.
Work together to keep the softly floating bag from falling.
Flag-raising game
Have you ever played the classic “flag-raising game” known for the phrase “Raise red, lower white”? It’s a traditional pastime that’s been around forever.
You can even make the flags easily with origami paper and chopsticks.
It’s a simple game, but most of us don’t remember ever playing it seriously.
How about trying it for real? You end up getting confused halfway through… and that actually makes it more exciting.
It would probably be fun to have a big group do it all at once, too!