Childcare: Recommended program ideas for a sports day

Penguin Race

No.11 [Parent–Child Play / Motor Skills Improvement] “Penguin Race” Waddle waddle, humorous—oh my, the balloon is floating here and there! Don’t lose, little penguin!

Here’s a game where you walk while holding a balloon between your knees.

Since the way you walk looks like a penguin, it’s called the Penguin Race.

If you squeeze too hard, the balloon might slip out from between your knees and float away, making it hard to reach the finish line.

Split into teams and pass the balloon to the next runner like a baton.

You could also skip teams and run it as a tournament or round-robin for extra fun.

It’s a race that can be enjoyed as a parent–child activity too, so give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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marching drill

FY 2022 Marching Drill

At preschools and kindergartens where children regularly play musical instruments, adding a marching drill to the sports day program is highly recommended.

While playing percussion and wind instruments, the children move in various directions—up, down, left, and right—and form different formations.

It can be challenging because they have to do many things at once, but it’s perfect for cheering and energizing the event.

It might be a good idea to recruit volunteers—children who take music lessons, belong to a marching team, or simply want to give it a try.

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SAKI

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Join forces for a giant panel

Tomobe Kindergarten Sports Day Event Description No. 6: “Join Forces! Giant Panel”

Let’s work together as a whole class! Join forces and present your ideas for a giant panel.

In this event, each person selects one large panel and fits it into a frame.

When the last runner inserts their panel into the frame, a big picture is completed—what a fun idea! If the event feels too simple for older children, consider adding activities on the way to the panels, such as vaulting boxes or horizontal bars.

Feel free to adapt and arrange it as you like.

Circuit of circulation

[Ages 3–5] Build motor skills with a roaming activity circuit!

Let’s develop physical abilities! Here are some ideas for a circuit-style activity.

A circuit course is one of the activities often done at sports days or during physical play.

In this event, participants move from one station to the next around a circuit—such as vaulting boxes and horizontal bars—completing each task in turn.

Children can move their bodies dynamically and give it their all, which helps improve their athletic skills.

Be sure to try incorporating it on this occasion.

Circuit of the large cube

[Childcare Scene] Let’s Play with the Safety Mirror Cubes – Care for 2-Year-Olds at Chidori Nursery School: Chiba City Authorized Nursery #2yearsold #largeblocks #nursery #shorts

Let’s get moving while we play! Here are some circuit ideas using large blocks.

All you need are large blocks.

Many kids love building houses or making tunnels with big blocks, right? Try adapting these ideas into a circuit course.

A tunnel with clear windows is unique and fun, letting kids pass through with excitement.

Both the children going through the tunnel and those watching will feel the thrill.

Since there’s a chance of bumping faces or falling, be sure to take precautions when using large blocks for physical activities.

Giant ball rolling

Preschool sports day parent–child event: Giant ball rolling (ōdama korogashi) – Japan

Giant ball rolling is a game that really heats up when done as a team competition! When adults join in, the height difference makes ball control more challenging—that’s part of the fun.

Let’s all work together while paying attention to our calls and chants.

Decorating the ball with your preschool’s original designs can add to the enjoyment.

Adults should make adjustments—like crouching slightly—so children can reach and touch the ball.

Which team will be the fastest? It’s the kind of event that makes adults unintentionally get serious.

Because falls and collisions are a concern, make sure the children get plenty of practice on their own beforehand.

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tsukada moe

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A circuit where you role-play as a ninja

[3-year-olds] Ninja Training! ~Circuit Play~

Nin-nin! Swift and stylish moves! Here are some circuit ideas for becoming a ninja.

Prepare a ninja transformation set made from construction paper, a balance beam, a jump rope, mats, and so on.

The video introduces circuit ideas for three-year-olds, but with a few tweaks, many of them can be uniquely adapted for two-year-olds as well! Let’s use the balance beam, jump rope, and mats to fully get into ninja mode.

Wearing a ninja dress-up set to boost the mood is a great idea, too.