Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.

Say one thing, do the opposite game

It’s funny how you get tripped up even when you think you’ve got it! Here’s an idea for a “Say the same, do the opposite” game.

It’s a great way to get moving even indoors! The rules are simple: while saying the instructed word exactly as given, you perform the opposite action.

For example, if the instruction is “Forward!”, participants should repeat “Forward” while jumping backward.

The key actions involve front, back, left, and right! Since it doesn’t require knowledge or strategy, it’s an easy and welcoming game for first-timers too.

Command Game

Command Game

This is a game where you move your body while carefully listening to the quiz master and deciding whether to follow the instructions.

The rule is to follow only the words that come after “Everyone,” so be mindful not to be misled by the rhythm or the quiz master’s movements.

Changing the movements and words, and increasing the tempo of instructions, are tricky points for the quiz master as well, so it’s a good idea to prepare a script to keep the game running smoothly.

It’s easy to make mistakes if you listen halfheartedly, so it’s important to focus closely on the words.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

kickbase

[48-Four Eight] We showed the new-generation YouTubers what adults can really do [Kickbase]

Kickbase is a sport that feels like a mix of baseball and soccer, and because it uses a large, easy-to-handle ball, people of all ages can enjoy it.

The basic rules are similar to baseball, but instead of using a bat you kick the ball with your foot, and instead of gloves you catch the ball with your hands.

Another key point is that you don’t need baseball-specific equipment; as long as you have a ball and a place to play, you can enjoy it anywhere.

While there’s room for strategy, the exhilarating act of giving the ball a powerful kick also adds to the fun and can be a great way to relieve stress.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Rock, paper (game of choosing ‘rock’ or ‘paper’)

Icebreaker: Goo-Paa (Rock–Paper hand game)

Make your right hand open (palm) and your left hand a fist.

Push the open hand forward and pull the fist back.

At the signal of “Ready, go!” you switch the roles of your right and left hands.

As the signal gets faster, the movements start to get funny.

You can arrange it in various ways, like matching it to a song or swapping which hand does which role.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Group boat race

@hiyoko_sakuranbo

You can start tomorrow! Group rhythm “Boat Race” “Solo boat” and “Two-person boat” are fun, but doing it as a group of 7 or 8 is even more fun! If you include it at the end of a requested staff training, the teachers’ smiles burst forth, and you can finish the session in a joyful atmosphere. It’s the same with children. If you end with a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy together, you’re sure to see the biggest smiles. ✨ Give it a try in tomorrow’s childcare! **************** “Saito Kimiko’s Cherry Rhythm Play” is a scientifically grounded method that promotes children’s development through play. We share rhythm activities that can be implemented immediately in educational settings through workshops and at preschools nationwide. **************** Mayumi Murata | Cherry Rhythm Play ▶ Book text composition for “DVD Book Complete Visual Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Childcare” ▶ Planning and editing for “Illustrated Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Sakura·Sakuranbo Rhythm Play” Thank you for your likes and follows!#Cherry Rhythm PlaySakura Sakura-nbo Rhythm#Rhythm PlayRhythm PlayHiroko SaitoNursery teacher / Childcare workerKindergarten TeacherGroup boat race

♪ Original Song – hiyoko_sakuranbo – hiyoko_sakuranbo

Perfect for class recreation or grade-level activities! Here are ideas for a group boat race.

You know how rowing is an Olympic sport, right? This time, we’re sharing ideas for a boat race played in groups.

In the video, teams of seven sit in a row and inch forward toward the goal by pushing with their heels.

It’s not just the person in front who does the work—when everyone on the team synchronizes their timing, you can make big progress! It’s also a good idea to use a chant like “1, 2, 1, 2” or “Ready, go!”

Teleportation Game

[DAY 3] Exciting! Instant Teleportation Game — “YouTube Kahokku LiNK in Summer Vacation”

Everyone stands in a circle, places a rolled-up newspaper stick upright at their own spot, steps away, and before it falls, moves to the next person’s spot to quickly support their stick.

Since you can’t move into that spot until your neighbor moves, it may look like an individual challenge, but teamwork is probably important too.

Paying attention to details—like at what angle to set the stick so it stays upright and how to grip and support it—is crucial.

As the distance to your neighbor increases, quicker movement is required, so once you get used to it, we recommend gradually increasing the spacing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors

[4-Year-Olds] Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors & Balance Relay

Defend your territory! Here’s an idea for a newspaper rock-paper-scissors game.

It’s simple yet tense! Each participant stands on a sheet of newspaper, and if you lose a round of rock-paper-scissors, you fold your newspaper.

As the paper gets smaller, it becomes harder to keep your balance, adding to the excitement.

As the game goes on, players drop out, so you’ll need caution and a competitive edge to be the last one standing! It’s a fun idea you can enjoy with friends and family while getting everyone pumped up.

How many people can fit? Game

How many people can ride? (One person at a time) [Indoor recreation]

This is the “How Many People Can Fit?” game, where you see how many people can stand on something that clearly seems too small for the group.

Participants step onto a sheet of newspaper, a piece of cardboard, or similar material one by one.

Teams compete to see how many people can fit.

If everyone manages to get on, and no one is sticking out while you count to 10, it’s a success.

It gets more exciting if there’s a penalty for the slowest team or for teams with someone stepping out of bounds.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Birthday line

[First JO1 × INI Collaboration] With hearts as one. A birthday line everyone connects 🎂

The birthday line we want middle school students to enjoy is a game where you line up in order by communicating your birthday using only gestures, without words.

It’s also a great chance to learn classmates’ birthdays—something you might not easily find out unless you get close.

The key is to use your hands and body to express numbers.

When everyone works together, it builds a sense of unity.

Misunderstandings or unexpected movements can spark laughter, and the sense of achievement and joy after the game is another highlight.

It’s perfect for indoor recreation during breaks or after school, so be sure to try it with your friends.

9-square tag

[SixTONES] '9-Square Tag'—You Can’t Go Wrong with the Blue Tracksuit!!

A nine-square tag game you can try from indoors to outdoors.

It’s a fun activity that tests not only physical ability but also insight and decision-making.

Use paper or tape to draw a 3×3 grid, have one person stand in each square, and choose one person to be “it.” At the signal to move, everyone changes squares; if you end up in the same square as “it,” you’re caught.

You can also enjoy a variant where you try a set number of rounds: if everyone gets caught, “it” wins; if anyone survives, the runners win.

Give it a try with your middle school club members or classmates and have a great time together.