Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
Introducing recreational activities for middle schoolers to enjoy during breaks, after school, or in free periods! We’ve gathered games that get everyone excited with friends and group activities that strengthen class bonds.
From games that test your ability to read the room to ones that challenge memory and reaction speed, there are lots of genres to enjoy.
They can even be a great chance to get closer to your friends! All the activities have simple rules and can be started right away, so invite your classmates and give them a try!
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Wordplay and Shiritori Game Collection (11–20)
New World Game
A game that uses the Czech composer Dvořák’s Symphony No.
9 “From the New World.” The gap between the grand music and the comical parody lyrics creates laughter.
The game splits the melody into a first half and a second half: in the first half, you sing about a scene or situation; in the second half, you sing about something that feels “impossible” and “totally crazy.” The bigger the gap between the first and second halves, the funnier it gets! To level up your comedy skills, make a habit of thinking about wild, mismatched combinations hidden in everyday life—you’re guaranteed to bring the house down in the game!
Restricted Shiritori
An idea for a guaranteed heated game: restricted shiritori.
The basic rules are the same as usual.
However, there’s an added rule that imposes a restriction related to any word once it’s been used.
For example, if one person answers “suika” (watermelon), the other players decide a restriction related to watermelon.
Possible restrictions could be “foods with seeds,” “symbols of summer,” or even “three-letter foods,” and so on.
I hope you’ll enjoy not only the game but also deciding what kinds of restrictions to set.
No Voiced-Sound Game
Voiced sounds refer to “muddy” sounds like da and ji.
For example, daijoubu and gomen are words that contain voiced sounds.
This game is about having a conversation while banning these voiced sounds.
When you talk, choose a topic and discuss it.
Saying you won’t talk is not allowed.
Remove the voiced sounds and keep the conversation going.
If you answer reflexively, you’ll end up speaking as usual, so be careful.
Announcing that there will be a penalty game for each voiced sound used will make it more thrilling!
Tongue Twister Challenge
@yuchan1009 That’s right, isn’t it? Tell me something else, too!Tongue Twister Challenge
♬ Giri Giri – KOMOREBI
Prepare a tongue-twister script and challenge yourselves to see how many seconds it takes to read it! Announcers and voice actors use this as enunciation training, right? If you search for “tongue twisters,” you’ll find plenty, and you can also create your own.
Add furigana to the kanji so that even first-time readers can read it.
The person who reads it the fastest without stumbling wins! Tripping up, getting stuck, and struggling to say it will get everyone excited, and if you can say it smoothly, you’re sure to draw attention!
A command game popular with both children and adults
It’s a fast-paced game that tests your listening skills and split-second decision-making.
The rules are very clear: if someone says, “Order: do XX,” you perform the action; but if they say only “Do XX” without the word “Order,” you must not move.
If you react by mistake, you’re out, so observation and concentration are essential.
The teacher’s feints will spark laughter across the classroom, creating a fun atmosphere.
Despite the simple rules, there’s a lot of strategy in the rhythm and timing, and it stays exciting no matter how many times you play.
Move or stay still—the instant you decide determines the winner.
Word Basket
Word Basket is popular among junior high school students.
It’s a game where you associate words from the hiragana in your hand and say them quickly.
You can build your vocabulary while enjoying communication with friends.
You win when you run out of cards, but if you get stuck for words, there’s a penalty.
You’ll be hooked by the thrilling pace for sure.
Because it’s a brain-teasing game, it’s perfect for having fun after school or online.
How about getting excited with classmates or club members? It’s a recommended indoor recreation that strengthens bonds with friends and family.
Wordplay & Shiritori Game Collection (21–30)
Word association game
Listen to the hints and figure out the answer! Here’s an idea for an association game.
All you need are picture cards.
It’s a highly effective idea for learning English! By using picture cards and thinking of English words related to what’s drawn on the cards, your vocabulary will grow naturally.
Through the game, you’ll strengthen your English communication skills and associative thinking, which can help reduce any anxiety about English.
Incorporating the teacher’s gestures and hints makes learning English more fun and engaging, and helps spark interest.