![[Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/Iu5LN4F8U_Y/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games
Group play is essential in early childhood care, isn’t it?
But it’s easy to end up doing the same games over and over, and children can get bored.
So we’ve gathered a collection of group play ideas for teachers who have that concern.
We’ve included a variety of movement-based games that can be enjoyed both outdoors and indoors, so you can choose according to the day’s activity setting.
Another fun aspect of group play is that the level of excitement varies depending on the class’s age and the children’s personalities.
Try choosing while thinking, “Which games will suit my class?”
Let’s spend a fun time with the children.
[Childcare] Let’s Play Together! Recommended Ideas for Group Activities and Games (1–10)
Mukkuri Kuma-san
A game even infants can enjoy! Here are some ideas for the “Mukkuri Kuma-san” game.
Group play is a great opportunity for children to learn communication skills and how to cooperate.
By playing with friends from the infant class, children can develop the ability to understand rules and other people’s feelings.
In this simple game, everyone forms a circle, sings a song, and walks around the “sleeping bear.” When the song ends, the person playing the bear wakes up and tries to catch the children.
Give it a try!
Sinking Game
Recommended when you want to be active and play indoors! Here are some ideas for a “Sinking Game.” The Sinking Game is a fun activity that gets everyone excited while enjoying communication.
Pretend the room is the ocean and create islands using mats and vaulting boxes.
Teachers or guardians play the role of sharks, and the unique rule is that the children run away so they don’t get caught by the sharks! As they play, children can develop listening and decision-making skills, so be sure to incorporate it into your activities!
chimney game
Let’s work hard so we don’t lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney-themed game.
It’s a unique game that uses balls and a mat.
If your center doesn’t have a mat, you can use connected cardboard pieces instead.
Inside the chimney, a teacher transformed into a chimney sweeper will go in.
The children will try to put balls into the chimney so they won’t lose to the sweeper.
They’ll develop their ability to strategize and be inventive by making plans and watching for the teacher’s openings.
Give it a try!
Moguradon’s
A children’s hand-play song to enjoy interacting with friends through singing and movement! Here’s an idea for the game “Mogura-don” (Mr.
Mole).
These traditional play songs are often used in children’s hand games and group activities.
Their lyrics and melodies are short and easy to remember, which is part of their charm.
In this simple game, everyone forms a circle and walks around the person playing the “mole,” who sits in the center, while singing.
When the song ends, the “mole” stands up and tries to catch the children.
Give it a try!
karasu kazunoko
A children’s circle song where you keep adding friends as you play! Here’s an idea from Karasu Kazunoko.
Circle songs aren’t just fun—they’re said to play an important role in fostering children’s language development and sense of rhythm.
Deepen communication by singing while playing together with teachers, parents, or friends! Children stand in a circle while one person walks around them in loops.
When the song ends, the walker taps the friend in front of them to add another member to the group.
Chick Sumo
People from preschoolers to adults can join! Here’s an idea for “Chick Sumo.” It’s a perfect game for training ankle flexibility while playing.
While squatting, hold your ankles and move forward.
If your hands or bottom touch the floor, you lose—simple as that.
Move carefully so you don’t lose your balance.
Once you get used to it, try battling in groups of five or six in class.
A tournament format, where the last person remaining advances, also sounds fun!
UFO Tag
https://www.tiktok.com/@kidschallengeclub/video/7424116397875186951Spin around and protect the captain! Here’s an idea for a UFO tag game.
It’s a unique game that really tests teamwork! Form teams of three, hold hands, and dodge the tagger so your captain doesn’t get caught.
Choose a captain among the three and have them wear a bib number so the tagger can easily tell who it is—highly recommended.
The key is to hold hands firmly so no one lets go!