Lovely childcare

[For Preschoolers & Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, the Doll Festival.

Some preschools and kindergartens include it as one of their traditional events, and some families may be thinking of celebrating it at home.

We’d love for children to become fond of Hinamatsuri culture while enjoying its festive atmosphere.

So this time, we’re introducing a collection of Hinamatsuri-themed activities, games, and craft ideas that can be enjoyed at preschools and children’s groups.

Every idea is something kids will love.

Adults, please enjoy the traditional festival together with the children as well.

[For Preschools and Kids] Game, Play, and Craft Ideas to Enjoy on Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) (31–40)

Hinamatsuri Basket

Group game: Fruit Basket! The new Sumire class takes on the challenge together! Everyday life at Hachiman Kodomoen (Fukui City). April 2018.

Hinamatsuri Basket

Many of you reading this have probably played it at least once: the large-group game called Fruit Basket.

You split into several teams, sit in a circle, and when a team is called, only those members stand up and rush to take a different seat—that’s the rule.

So why not try a Hinamatsuri (Doll’s Festival) version? The method is simple: just name the teams with Hinamatsuri-themed words, so you can enjoy it without any preparation.

Gather your friends and have a lively time together!

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Dance: Happy Hinamatsuri

Children’s song “Happy Hinamatsuri” (from Momoclo-chan Z’s ‘GooChokiParty’)

Dance: Happy Hinamatsuri

The children’s song “Ureshii Hinamatsuri,” which was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Songs, is a celebratory piece for the Doll Festival, yet its minor-key, wistful melody leaves a strong impression.

Let’s enjoy dancing to it together with parents and teachers! The relaxed rhythm makes it easy for anyone to dance.

The choreography, inspired by the lyrics of the song, has an elegant feel.

Of course, you can add your own favorite arrangements too! Dancing while holding a folding fan will make you feel even more like hina dolls.

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Blindfold Taste-Guessing Game

Blindfolded taste test! Hinamatsuri Snoopy Baskin-Robbins ice cream

Blindfold Taste-Guessing Game

How about a “Blindfold Taste-Guessing Game” as a party game for the Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) event? It’s a simple game where you put on a blindfold, eat the designated food, and guess the flavor.

If children are playing, we recommend items they love and that come in many flavors, such as ice cream, sweets, or sushi.

You could also prepare prizes for those who guess the most correctly to make it even more exciting.

It’s sure to be a hit for family gatherings and events or parties at daycare centers and kindergartens—perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together.

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Three-color dango made with origami

https://www.tiktok.com/@hoikushi_bank/video/6942804580736584962

Speaking of spring, cherry-blossom viewing comes to mind.

Here’s a perfect spring craft: how to make three-color dango with origami.

You’ll need three colors of origami paper for the dango and some bamboo skewers.

First, fold a balloon using the basic balloon base in origami.

Once you’ve made all three colors, simply skewer them one by one to finish.

You can enjoy the origami process itself, and then use what you’ve made for pretend play.

Taking a spring walk with the dango you made together with the kids could be fun, too.

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[Paper Cup Cracker] Hinamatsuri Beanbag Toss

Have fun with paper cup crackers! Hinamatsuri! Let's play!

[Paper Cup Cracker] Hinamatsuri Beanbag Toss

This is a game where you can enjoy a beanbag toss using a paper cup cracker made from a paper cup and a balloon.

The colorful balls look like little dumplings, and the target boxes are uniquely designed as a hina doll couple with their mouths wide open.

Since the box openings face upward, when you play, create a height difference and shoot the balls from higher to lower.

They fly with a lot of force, so aim carefully! You could also set the openings to face forward instead of upward.

It seems like a game that would be very popular as a Hinamatsuri activity!

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[For childcare and kids] Games, activities, and craft ideas to enjoy for Hinamatsuri (41–50)

Hina Doll Memory Quiz

Memory Quiz: Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) (2) – Hina Dolls

Hina Doll Memory Quiz

How about incorporating a memory quiz into Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day)? First, have participants look at and memorize a picture of the Emperor (odairi-sama) and the Empress (ohina-sama) lined up for a few seconds.

Next, they play a game where they must pick out the ohina-sama they just saw from among various pictures.

Since it tests memory, even images seen just seconds before can become confusing when similar ones appear.

For preschoolers, you could change the Emperor’s headwear from an eboshi to a gym cap and have them say what changed into what; naming the changes might help them remember better.

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Hinamatsuri 15-Second Quiz

Hinamatsuri* Seasonal Quiz [54] with Main Audio Commentary #riddle #quiz #braintraining

Hinamatsuri 15-Second Quiz

You’ll see traditional foods that are often eaten during Hinamatsuri.

Look closely at the pictures for 15 seconds and try to answer correctly.

If it’s difficult, give hints about the color, shape, or size.

The correct answers are simple, but the names might be a little tricky.

Even if you don’t figure out the answer to a riddle, thinking it through together helps develop thinking skills and has a positive effect on growth.

During Hinamatsuri events, it’s also recommended to ask riddles related to the festival and enjoy them with the children!

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