Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for June
During Japan’s rainy season in June, we end up spending more time indoors, don’t we? Among children who love playing outside, some may feel gloomy on rainy days.
So this time, we’re introducing recommended indoor activities that will bring smiles to their faces.
From games that let them move their bodies to their hearts’ content, to group activities that foster interaction with friends and teachers, to craft projects that build focus and fine motor skills—there’s a wide range of fun to choose from! Adjust the content to suit children’s ages and developmental stages, incorporate plenty of activities, and enjoy rainy days together with lots of fun.
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Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for June (11–20)
Rock-Paper-Scissors Train
Let’s play “Rock-Paper-Scissors Train,” a game where we make a long train! At first, everyone moves around freely while the music is playing.
When the music stops, you play rock-paper-scissors with the person in front of you.
If you lose, you connect by standing behind the winner.
The winner becomes (or stays) the train’s front and moves around with everyone attached behind.
Repeat this until there’s no one left without a partner.
The person who remains at the front until the very end wins.
Since the line will keep getting longer, play in as large a space as possible.
beast hunting
A fun indoor adventure game: Monster Hunt.
First, everyone sings the Monster Hunt song along with the teacher.
In the song, it says you’re carrying lots of weapons needed for the hunt, so try adding gestures that match the lyrics.
At the end of the song, the teacher says the name of the beast that’s been found.
Make groups with the same number of people as the number of characters in that beast’s name and sit down—that’s a success! For example, if the beast is “raion” (lion) with four characters in Japanese, you form groups of four.
It’s also fun to make it harder by choosing beasts with longer names as you go.
See how many different beasts you can find!
bowling
This is a PET-bottle bowling game that even small children can enjoy indoors.
Decorate the bottles with the children’s artwork made using stickers, crayons, scissors, and glue! Kids will love the tactile fun of sticking on stickers and the fresh experience of drawing with crayons.
If scissors are used, teachers should provide age-appropriate support.
Wrap the finished drawings around the PET bottles and enjoy bowling! The excitement of a first bowling game will have their hearts racing.
When they knock the pins down well, they’ll also feel a great sense of achievement!
Rhythm Play
Let’s try playing by moving our bodies to the rhythm! Rhythm play includes making sounds with your own body—like clapping your hands or stomping your feet—and moving along to the piano played by the teacher.
You can vary your movements to match the music’s dynamics, making them bigger or smaller, and keep moving while the music is playing, then stop sharply when the music stops.
Music lets you play in many different ways.
It’s also great to try instruments: use castanets or tambourines found in nurseries and kindergartens, or make your own instruments with items like plastic bottles and try playing them.
There are many ways to enjoy rhythm play, so try different activities suited to the child’s age.
gymnastics
When rainy weather makes it hard to go outside and you’re worried about not getting enough exercise, try doing some gymnastics indoors to really move your body! Dancing to kids’ favorite exercise songs like “Ebi-Kanikusu,” “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” or “Jamboree Mickey” is a great idea.
Using mats and balance beams to practice apparatus gymnastics is also recommended.
You could also move freely and work hard at gymnastics to the teacher’s piano accompaniment.
Be sure to do thorough stretches both before moving a lot and after you’re done to loosen up your body.
Craft play
On a rainy day, how about engaging your hands and diving into some focused crafts and art activities? Drawing pictures, folding origami, making handicrafts… Adding elements that represent the rainy season can bring out a sense of seasonality.
For example, you could draw pictures inspired by rain-themed picture books or songs, or depict seasonal creatures like hydrangeas and snails through drawing or crafts.
It’s also a great idea to express your excitement for sunny summer days by drawing things you want to do in summer or a clear blue sky.
Even in the gloomy rainy season, creating something nice will surely brighten children’s moods!
Indoor activities and recreation games recommended for June (21–30)
Towel play
When you want to get plenty of physical activity indoors even if it’s raining, games using a towel are recommended.
Prepare a long, narrow towel.
You can rub your body vigorously as if doing dry brushing, jump as if the towel were a jump rope, or play tug-of-war—one long towel lets you enjoy all kinds of games.
It’s also great to roll the towel into a ball and play catch.
Be careful as you play so you don’t slip on a towel that’s fallen on the floor and get injured!