Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Let’s all play! A collection of recommended ideas for group play and games

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
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.

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 (61–70)

Rock-paper-scissors is fun even in the rain

[Play] Rock-Paper-Scissors & Recommended Activities [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Rock-paper-scissors is fun even in the rain

Here are some rock-paper-scissors games you can enjoy indoors with kids even on rainy days.

“American Rock-Paper-Scissors” reverses winning and losing, so it makes you think.

“Body Rock-Paper-Scissors” is a game where you use your whole body to show rock, paper, or scissors.

It’s recommended to decide in advance what movements will represent rock, scissors, and paper before you start.

In “Newspaper Rock-Paper-Scissors,” you stand on a sheet of newspaper while playing; if you lose, you fold your newspaper once and make it smaller each time.

In “Rock-Paper-Scissors Train,” the loser lines up behind the winner, and the train of players gradually grows longer.

Try these and find your favorite rock-paper-scissors game!

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Rolling Dodgeball

@toiro_efilagroup
Do you know “Korokoro Dodgeball”?After-school day service #toiro #Kanagawa Prefecture Andante Childcare Worker
♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day

Let me introduce Rolling Dodgeball, a game where you roll the ball instead of throwing it.

The rules are similar to regular dodgeball, but players are split into inside and outside groups, and the ball is rolled to keep the game going.

If an inside player is hit by a ball rolled by someone on the outside, they move to the outside and join their team’s attack from there.

It can also be fun to decide the winner by counting how many players remain inside at the end.

Unlike regular dodgeball, this version uses a soft ball, so you can play safely.

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stop ball throw

@secondhouseayumu
“Stop Ball Throw!” devised by an occupational therapist. As practice for stopping actions, it helps children develop the ability to look at letters and make decisions 💪🏻 ̖́- We design activities so that the children can enjoy playing every day while also receiving therapeutic support ✨Second House Saiyuyu After-school Day Service (for children with disabilities)Child Development Support Fun workplace Now hiring / Looking for people who want to work Recreation Speech-Language-Hearing Therapist Occupational therapist Physical therapist Nursery teacher / Childcare worker Childcare Worker Fun Play # developmental support (ryōiku)Shall we work together?
♪ Original song – Second House Saiyu-Yui – Second House Saiyu-Yui

Thinking while moving is fun! Let me introduce a stop-ball throwing activity.

You’ll need colored balls and cards with signs on them.

Place the colored balls on the floor and throw them into a basket.

When a “Stop” card is shown, everyone must freeze—even if they’re in the middle of throwing a ball.

Once kids get used to the rules, it’s fun to add similar-sounding words like “tomato” along with “stop.” Try adapting it while observing the children’s responses.

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balloon volleyball

@bear_kids_official
Group developmental support: “Balloon Volleyball.” We use balloon play to develop motor skills and sense of balance. By cooperating as a team, children cultivate social skills and cooperation, while also improving concentration and attention.#BalloonVolleyball Child Development Support After-school day service # developmental support (ryōiku)
♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service

Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.

All you need is a net and some balloons.

It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.

It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.

Give it a try!

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Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Copycat game

Let’s enjoy body imitation! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that will bring a smile to your face.

Strike unique poses—like animals or heroes—while mimicking the teacher’s movements.

As you move your body, you might find yourself laughing and saying, “What is this?!” In the process, kids can develop flexibility and balance, and best of all, the game lets them learn with joy as they think, “Can I really make this pose?” You might even see some unexpected moves pop up!

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cushion hula hoop

You’re only allowed to walk on the cushion strips or inside the hula hoops! Here’s a unique game.

You’ll need two hula hoops, pool noodles, scissors or a utility knife, and masking tape.

Cut the pool noodles or any cushioned material and tape them to the floor—prep done.

Use two hula hoops to make your way to the goal! When you reach the cushioned course, set down a hula hoop and walk on the cushion.

Keeping your balance is trickier than it looks, so give it a try!

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Island of Hula Hoops

Work together with your teammates to reach the goal! Here’s an idea for a “Hula Hoop Islands” game.

Prepare five small hula hoops or flat markers.

Form teams of four, line up, and have the person at the front hold the hula hoops.

On the path from the start line to the goal, you may only step inside the hula hoops! When the front person runs out of hula hoops, they should call out to the person at the back.

Once they receive a hula hoop hand-to-hand from a teammate, they continue toward the goal.

It’s also fun to compete head-to-head as teams!

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