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 (81–90)

Reverse hide-and-seek

Reverse hide-and-seek: When you spot the ‘it’ (the tagger), hide immediately! Who will be the last one remaining...?

Reverse hide-and-seek

The idea of adding a little twist to the usual game of hide-and-seek—reverse hide-and-seek—is really fun and highly recommended.

The rules are flipped: the seeker is the one who hides! Everyone else tries to find the hiding seeker.

If you’re lucky enough to find them, you then go hide somewhere yourself! The person who can’t find the last remaining hider loses.

You might feel like shouting “Found you!” when you spot them, but if you do, everyone else will rush over.

So in reverse hide-and-seek, even if you find the seeker, quietly go hide yourself.

It’s a thrilling game where you keep the joy of discovery to yourself.

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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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Fish, Birds, Trees

[20 Easy Classroom Activity Ideas No.20] Gyōchōmoku (Fish-Bird-Tree)

Fish, Birds, Trees

Do you know the game called “Gyocho-moku”? It’s read “gyo-cho-moku.” First, everyone stands in a circle and choose one person as the leader; the leader stands in the center of the circle.

The leader says, “Gyocho-moku, mousu ka, mousanu ka,” and everyone else replies, “Mousu, mousu.” The leader then points at someone while saying one of “gyo” (fish), “cho” (bird), or “moku” (tree).

The person who is pointed at must answer accordingly—for example, if the leader says “gyo,” you should quickly name a fish; if they say “cho,” you might answer “duck”; if they say “moku,” you could say “cherry tree.” There are endless ways to tweak the rules and enjoy variations, so give it a try!

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Tail-tag game

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

Tail-tag 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!

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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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