A childcare quiz to enjoy on Children's Day! Learn about traditions and customs

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

How about incorporating quizzes related to Children’s Day into your childcare activities?We’ve gathered quizzes that naturally help children learn about the event—such as the origins of Tango no Sekku and the meaning of the carp streamers—through play.They’re in multiple-choice format, so children can enjoy thinking for themselves and choosing answers.Because the questions draw on familiar topics—like “What’s at the very top of the carp streamers?” and “Why do we display a samurai helmet?”—they’re sure to be a hit.Please try using them to kick off activities and events at your center.

A childcare quiz to enjoy on Children's Day! Learn about traditions and customs (21–30)

What are the leaves used for the rice cakes eaten on Children’s Day?

oak leaf
cherry tree leaf
bamboo leaves

See the answer

oak leaf

The leaves used for kashiwa-mochi, which is eaten on Children’s Day, are oak leaves. Because the oak tree doesn’t shed its old leaves until new ones grow, it symbolizes the prosperous continuation of descendants. That’s why kashiwa-mochi wrapped in oak leaves is eaten as a lucky food on Children’s Day.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

What is the song that was created to celebrate Children’s Day?

carp streamer
Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri/Girls’ Day)
birthday

See the answer

carp streamer

'Koinobori' is a cheerful song sung on Children's Day. In this song, carp-shaped streamers are flown in the sky to wish for children's growth and good health. Just like carp swim upstream, it expresses the hope that children will grow up strong and healthy.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Why do carp streamers go up?

Because there is the power of the wind.
Because the thread is strong.
Because the machine is in (there) / because machines are installed

See the answer

Because there is the power of the wind.

Koinobori look like they’re swimming in the sky, don’t they? When the wind blows, they gently lift up. That’s because they’re made from light materials. Since koinobori are shaped like a tube, they catch the wind well, making them look as if they’re energetically swimming through the sky.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Why did koi become carp streamers?

Because there is courage and strength
Because I like playing in/with the water.
Because it is familiar as food

See the answer

Because there is courage and strength

The carp is famous in the Chinese tale “The Carp’s Climb up the Waterfall.” There is a legend that a carp that climbs a waterfall becomes a dragon, symbolizing the strength and courage to overcome difficulties. For this reason, carp streamers carry the wish for growth and success. They are displayed to support children’s dreams and development.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Who made the first koinobori?

boy
girl
Both

See the answer

boy

Koinobori (carp streamers) are a tradition meant to wish for boys to grow up healthy and strong. They began in the Edo period and are said to have been inspired in particular by Tokugawa Ieyasu raising a banner to pray for his child’s happiness. Even today, koinobori “swim” in the sky as a way to pray for children’s growth and good health.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem