![[Childcare] Perfect for June! Indoor play ideas to incorporate into childcare](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/jsXO7w4Smlw/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Perfect for June! Indoor play ideas to incorporate into childcare
June brings the rainy season, when outdoor play tends to decrease in childcare settings.
With so many days of unfavorable weather, teachers often struggle because the children can’t play to their hearts’ content.
So, we’ve gathered ideas for indoor activities here! We’ll introduce a variety of games, from ones that get kids moving to quieter activities they can enjoy calmly.
The more play options you have, the more smiles you’ll see from the children! Please use this as a reference so both children and adults can enjoy fun times together.
Children’s creations are treated as “works,” so we refer to them as “seisaku (制作)” in the text.
[Childcare] Perfect for June! Indoor play ideas to incorporate into childcare (1–10)
[Indoor Play] Eurhythmics
![[Indoor Play] Eurhythmics](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jsXO7w4Smlw/sddefault.jpg)
How about some casual eurhythmics play to music? If you tune in to various sounds and move your body lightly, you can blow away the damp, gloomy feeling of the rainy season.
To keep with the season, it’s nice to use rain-themed songs.
Walk to “Amefuri” (It’s Raining), jump to “Kaeru no Gassho” (Frog Chorus), and wriggle forward using only arm strength to “Katatsumuri” (Snail).
After a short lie-down break to a gentle tune like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” finish with a lively run to “Puppy March” to add contrast—kids will love it.
Balloon Play
Balloons floating softly in the air are very safe, so kids can play with them with peace of mind.
Here are some indoor games using balloons.
The “keep it off the floor” game naturally encourages kids to cooperate, calling out to each other to keep the balloon from touching the floor and getting excited together.
In the balloon passing game, form groups of about six and split into teams.
Enjoy sending the balloon from front to back, or passing it under the knees.
The team that can pass the balloon the fastest wins.
You can also stick a strip of plastic tape across the middle of the room and enjoy balloon volleyball or soccer.
Please choose and enjoy games suited to the children’s ages.
Treasure Hunt
https://www.tiktok.com/@soramame.sensei/video/7490407149017861431Kids love games where they search for hidden things.
How about a treasure hunt where you hide and find “treasures” made from plastic bottle caps? Since it can be hard to find small treasures in a playground full of little items, decide on a specific area for the hunt.
The children will get absorbed and focus on the activity.
After everything is found, have each child count how many treasures they discovered, and make it a game where the one who finds the most wins—this will make it even more exciting!
[Song Play] Little Bear in the Rain
![[Song Play] Little Bear in the Rain](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pfG4KWAGQJs/sddefault.jpg)
With its picture book-like storytelling, the song-play for the beloved children’s song “Amefuri Kumanoko” is perfect for the rainy season.
If the caregiver wears an apron with a bear illustration or uses a stuffed animal or a mask, it makes it easier for children to empathize.
Prepare scenes that match the lyrics, and hide little surprises—like the fish and leaf umbrellas mentioned in the song—in the apron pockets to spark the children’s excitement.
With a single song, let them experience the feeling of having watched a little play.
clay play
Clay play, which kids love, makes time fly by because they get so absorbed in it.
Precisely because the rainy season brings so many wet days, it’s one of the activities you’ll want to let them spend plenty of time on.
Start by offering themes or ideas to help them expand their imagination.
For example, they can make animals using acorns and twigs, or create decorations for jars.
They can also mix in paint to make clays of different colors, add spoons to turn them into ice cream, or make vegetables and fruits—so much fun! If you later use what they’ve made for pretend play, it will open up even more ways to enjoy it.
Experimental play
It would be nice to try age-appropriate science play during the rainy season, when kids spend more time playing indoors.
First, for younger children, try an experiment using baking soda.
Mix water colored with food coloring, dish soap, and baking soda.
Then pour vinegar over it—the fizzy bubbling will seem “like magic” and is sure to amaze them.
For middle preschoolers, try a marbling experiment.
First, pour milk into a container and add drops of food coloring.
Touch the surface with a cotton swab dipped in dish soap and watch the colors spread.
By giving children experiences that feel mysterious, we can nurture their sense of “Why?” and encourage their curiosity.
Agar play
Kanten play, with its cool and refreshing feel, is perfect to try during the rainy season or in hot weather.
Start by making colored kanten.
You’ll need powdered agar (kanten), food coloring, water, a pot, and a tray.
Put water mixed with food coloring into the pot, add the powdered agar, and heat it.
Then pour it into the tray and let it chill.
Making it in different colors looks vibrant and lifts your mood.
Make plenty and crush it, tear it, or even step on it.
Using cookie cutters is great, of course, and another recommendation is to tear the kanten and put it into a clear cup filled with water—it sparkles beautifully.