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

Tail-tag game

Gymnastics class [2- and 3-year-olds tail-chasing game]

“Tail Tag” is a group game that kids love.

Use colorful ribbons or strips of cloth as tails and try to snatch each other’s tails.

Because it gets everyone moving, it’s a hit even on cold days or when you’re indoors.

A key tip is to place extra tails in the center so children who lose theirs can jump back in right away.

Beyond the simple fun of running around, kids also enjoy the strategy of aiming for a friend’s tail.

It’s a game that brings smiles to everyone, so tailor it to your class and have fun.

Keep safety in mind, and enjoy a great time together with the children!

big-game hunting

[You can also see childcare in action] Ms. Rio’s active play [Big Game Hunting]

This is the “Mōjū-gari” game, which is fun with its familiar calls and gestures.

First, the teacher taps their knees and sings out, “Let’s go big-game hunting,” and the children imitate and repeat it.

After repeating the set phrases, the teacher calls out the name of an item in a loud voice, like “giraffe” or “chocolate.” Then the children form groups with the same number of people as the number of syllables in the word and crouch down on the spot.

It’s also fun to increase the number of syllables and end with forming a big group!

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hiyori

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Churippu sharippuchildren’s song

tulip sheriff

In spring, many children start a new life in a new environment.

If you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy while getting to know the friends and teachers you’ll be spending the next year with, this is a must-see.

This traditional children’s song game, “Tulip Sharip,” helps kids learn the names of their friends and teachers through play.

There are various ways to play: the child whose name is called can sit in the middle of the circle, walk around, and more.

Try incorporating it in a way that suits the children’s ages.

Playing with Thunder

Hachiman Kodomo-en, Elephant Class (2-year-olds): Thunder Game (group play)

People have long said, “When thunder rumbles, hide your belly button or the Thunder God will take it.” A game that uses this old legend is the Thunder Game.

The teacher says “goro-goro” to imitate the sound of distant thunder, and then says “dokaaan!” as if a lightning strike has hit—at that moment, everyone must quickly hide their belly buttons.

If you’re playing lying down, roll onto your stomach to cover your belly button.

If the teacher catches you before you hide it, you lose.

There’s also a version where you must hide your belly button whenever the teacher says “kaminari” (thunder).

In that case, the teacher can mix in other words that start with “ka” to trick and confuse the children while playing.

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SAKI

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Fruits Basket

[Ages 3–4] “Fruit Basket”

“Fruit Basket” is a group game where children can have fun interacting while training their reflexes.

Friends sit in a circle, and the child in the middle calls out the name of a fruit, like “Apple!” The children assigned to that fruit quickly change seats.

The key point is that when the signal “Fruit Basket!” is called, everyone moves.

It’s also fun to use animals or colors instead of fruits.

Teachers can make it even more exciting by observing the children and introducing new words.

It’s a game that lets everyone move their bodies and have fun together, so be sure to give it a try.

ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

All Sorts of Ball Toss Games! [Ages 3–5] | Torikai Yuiku-en [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Tamaire (ball toss) is a game kids can get completely absorbed in.

Use familiar items like sofa cushions or a laundry basket to make a target.

The key is to use newspaper balls or lightweight balls.

Adjust the height to match the children’s abilities.

Count the number of balls they throw in together to build communication: try saying things like, “Nice shot!” or “How about throwing a little higher?” Don’t forget to clean up together when you’re done.

It’s a great activity for parent and child to move their bodies while deepening their connection.

Kids can enjoy at home the same ball-toss game they play at daycare or kindergarten.

Ball Toss Game

3-year-old ball-hit game 2021-12-24

The “Ball Tag” game is a fun activity that encourages interaction with friends.

Form teams of three and pass the ball around.

After three passes, throw the ball toward the opposing team.

By changing the counted number of passes, you can tailor the game to different ages.

You can also make it safer by choosing the size and material of the ball.

It’s exciting both indoors and outdoors.

It’s wonderful to see children cheering each other on and showing kindness.

Let’s all get moving together and spend time building communication skills and teamwork!