Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for junior high school students
Introducing recommended indoor games for junior high school students!
These days, many junior high schoolers have smartphones.While you might chat or play using communication apps, there are still plenty of chances to have fun face-to-face.
In this article, we’ll introduce indoor recreational activities that classmates, club members, and other groups can enjoy together.
They’re perfect for recess at school, after classes, or when you get together with close friends—so be sure to have fun with everyone!
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Indoor activities and recreation games recommended for junior high school students (81–90)
Without Katakana
In everyday life, we often use words written in katakana.
Here, we’d like to introduce “Katakana-ashi,” a game where you explain a given topic without using katakana.
For example, you show a ball used in P.E.
and ask, “What is this?” The answer will likely be “ball.” Next, have them describe the ball without using any katakana.
Children will likely search for answers by thinking of various words in their heads.
Try switching the roles of questioner and answerer and give it a go.
Impersonation King Championship
How about simply doing impressions? If everyone throws away their shyness and does impressions together, I think you’ll have a lot of fun.
Even if the quality of the impressions is low, enthusiasm is what counts.
You’ll get to see sides of people you don’t normally see, so give it a try when you’re in the mood for something fresh!
A game where everyone matches their answers
This is a game where everyone thinks of an answer to a given prompt and tries to match those answers.
Since the prompts allow for multiple correct answers, your teamwork in aligning responses will be put to the test.
If you can discuss too thoroughly, it becomes easier to match answers, so it’s recommended to set clear boundaries for how much discussion is allowed.
It’s not only about testing whether your thoughts align; progressing with strategies—such as choosing to match a specific person’s answers—may also be important.
Liar Memory Introduction Game
This is a game that tests imagination and powers of observation, using personal stories from days off as the theme.
Hand out blank sheets to everyone, have them fold the paper into quarters to make four boxes, and write four summer memories—mixing in exactly one false story.
Divide into groups of 4–5 and take turns presenting your memories; the rule is that everyone works together to figure out which one is the lie.
As people laugh at the funny experiences, they also listen closely to spot the hidden falsehood.
Hearing stories about friends that you wouldn’t normally learn about can help bring the class closer together.
It’s an idea that’s sure to get everyone excited, giving both the presenters and the listeners a thrill.
Guess the number you saw for a moment
https://www.tiktok.com/@sirmakuji/video/7461199803402259719Try a unique game that tests your concentration and memory! Here’s an idea where you guess numbers you’ve only seen for a split second.
Being able to remember something at a glance can be quite handy.
This ability is often called eidetic memory or a camera eye, and it’s said to involve high visual information processing skills.
Write a number on a piece of paper and show it to your partner for just a moment.
If they can answer correctly, switch turns.
Once you get used to it, try increasing the number of digits to four or five for an extra challenge.
Back Telephone (a game like “Chinese whispers” played by tracing on someone’s back)
Focus your nerves on your back and take on the game! Here are some ideas for a Back-Telephone game.
In a regular telephone game, once a theme is chosen, the first person passes it on to the next person using words or gestures, and so on, aiming to convey the original theme correctly to the last person.
This time, try conveying it by writing on each other’s backs instead of using words or gestures.
Animals and characters make great themes! Once you get used to it, try increasing the difficulty with sentences or logos—it sounds like it could be a lot of fun!
Teleportation Game
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.
Wink Killer
When it comes to indoor games perfect for middle schoolers, Wink Killer is highly recommended! The rules are simple: the “culprit” winks at other players to “take them out,” but the psychological mind games make it thrilling and sure to get everyone excited.
It’s fun even with a large group, so it could be great for the whole class.
Split into teams for a head-to-head match, and it’ll get even more intense! Another perk is that it isn’t affected by the weather.
It’s perfect for farewell parties or any memorable event where you want to liven things up.
It’s also a great way to strengthen friendships!
Eiko Game
Do you know the Eiko Game? It’s an easy, indoor recreation you can enjoy anywhere.
It’s a simple game where you keep associating words to a rhythm based on a prompt—but it actually makes you think more than you’d expect.
It’s fun like shiritori, but since you need a sense of rhythm too, it can get a little nerve‑racking.
It’s perfect for when you get together with friends.
You can play with any number of people, so it works for small or large groups.
Even University of Tokyo students have taken on the challenge, so why not give it a try? It’s sure to be a hit!
Air-reading game
Let’s read the room so you don’t overlap with your friends! Here’s an idea for a “reading the room” game.
It’s a unique game that helps elementary school kids develop the ability to act while watching timing and what’s going on around them.
With 4 or 5 players sitting in a circle, the simple rule is to stand up in turn while calling out numbers—and the key is to avoid overlapping timing with your friends.
Through the game, kids can build situational awareness and split-second decision-making.
The atmosphere is tense when the game starts, but when people’s timing overlaps, everyone can’t help bursting into laughter!