Childcare: Recommended program ideas for a sports day

The rice ball goes rolling, roll, roll.

Tomobe Kindergarten Sports Day Event Description No. 2: 'Omusubi Kororin Korokororin'

How about a competition inspired by the classic folktale “Omusubi Kororin,” beloved by children both in the past and today? Beforehand, read the picture book to the kids to share the story’s world.

Once the activity starts, they first stand inside the hula hoop placed at the start and pass their bodies through it from below.

Next, they move forward by rolling a large round rice ball—just like a giant ball roll.

Then, after placing the rice ball inside the second hula hoop, they run to the finish line.

It’s a fun and adorable obstacle race that’s perfect for a preschool sports day.

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hiyori

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Jama-Jama Ball Toss

[Sports Day ☆ Event] Adults get hyped too! Chaotic Beanbag Toss

When it comes to games that kids and adults can enjoy together, “Jamajama Tamaire” tops the list.

Tamaire (ball toss) is a classic at sports festivals, but this version adds a twist by positioning people to interfere, making it harder to get the balls into the basket.

You can physically obstruct with illustrations or wall panels, or draw attention by wearing full-body suits—there are all sorts of ways to get in the way.

With the increased difficulty, even adults will find themselves getting serious.

It’s also fun to use quirky, comedic music as the background soundtrack.

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mutō

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Animal Train

[Yotsuba & Mitsuba] 2021 Sports Day, 1-year-old Play: “Animal Train”

A great recommendation for a dance program is “Animal Train.” In this one, children pretend to be animals like rabbits and monkeys who get on the train and dance.

Because you don’t need strict choreography, even younger kids can easily have fun dancing.

For example, when a rabbit gets on the train, try making ears over your head and jumping—use your imagination to mimic the animals’ movements! Besides animals, feel free to include train-like movements too.

The lively, cute dance will surely make parents smile.

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SAKI

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Flower arranging with everyone

Tomobe Kindergarten Sports Day – Nursery Class: “Flower Arrangement Together”

Introducing a field day event that even very young children can enjoy: a collaborative flower arrangement race.

Prepare plenty of artificial flowers big enough for a child to hold in their arms.

Try making them in a variety of colors like yellow, red, and pink.

At “Ready, go!” the children run to the bouquet pile and each picks their favorite flower.

They then run with the flower, place it into an empty container at the far end of the course, arrange it nicely, and cross the finish line.

The rules are simple, and it’s a delightful event where you can see the children looking adorable as they play.

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nikki

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Lick of ice cream

Tomobe Kindergarten Sports Day Event Description No. 6: “Lick the Ice Cream”

Aim for the goal while keeping your balance! Here’s an idea for “Ice Cream Lick.” It’s a fun relay perfect for a 5-year-old’s sports day, featuring a quirky, eye-catching ice cream with lots of impact.

Place a large ice cream made from colored plastic bags on a giant cone, and carry it to the finish while maintaining balance! Kids can enjoy it as a relay on their own, or you can adapt it into a parent-child event.

Work together and head for the goal!

Circuit of/with polypropylene ribbon (Suzuran tape)

Tanabata Circuit! [Ages 0–2] | Minami Senrioka Yui-en [Nursery/Kindergarten Event]

Let’s go through a curtain swaying in the breeze! Here’s an idea for a circuit using ribbon tape (suzuran tape).

All you need is ribbon tape.

Cut the tape into long strips and attach them to make a ribbon-tape curtain! Some children will use their hands to push the strips aside as they move forward, while others will dash through the curtain dynamically—showing their unique personalities.

For cautious children, reduce the amount of tape so they can see what’s beyond the curtain, which will help them feel more at ease.

Sponge block circuit

[Asunaro Nursery School] Circuit Play (Gather!! Nonoichi Kids)

Let’s build your own course! Here are some ideas for a circuit using sponge blocks.

What you’ll need: sponge blocks, mats, a balance beam, and masking tape if necessary.

Sponge blocks come in a variety of shapes—rectangles, squares, triangles, and cylinders! Use a rich variety of sponge blocks to create your circuit course.

If you combine a balance beam and mats within the course, it’s sure to get kids excited and engaged.