[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.
- [For Kids] Indoor Fun! Large-Group Recreational Activities and Games
- [Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving
- Indoor games that different ages can enjoy! Ideas for fun everyone can get excited about together
- Ideas for indoor activities and group games that 5-year-olds like
- Recommended for 3-year-olds! Fun indoor activities and group game ideas
- [For 4-Year-Olds] A Collection of Indoor Play and Game Ideas That Get Everyone Excited
- [Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
- Let's play with a big group! A collection of fun children's recreational activities
- [Childcare] Play Right Now! Recommended No-Prep Games
- Ideas for indoor activities, games, and group play that 5-year-olds enjoy
- Indoor recreation for children: A roundup of exciting games
- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
- Indoor Games for Small Groups: Exciting Recreational Activities
[Childcare] Let’s all play together! Recommended ideas for group play and games (31–40)
Thunder Game
Let me introduce a thunder-rock-paper-scissors game where moving your body to the chant is lots of fun.
Have the children lie down on their backs.
The teacher says, “Goro goro goro—DOkkaaan!” and the children should quickly roll their bodies to hide their belly buttons by turning over onto their stomachs.
The key is to roll fast so your belly button doesn’t get ‘taken.’ You can make it even more exciting by changing the volume of your voice or the speed of the chant.
Once everyone gets used to it, try switching the direction they roll to keep it fun!
Rice Field Tag Game
Tanbo-oni is a tag game where you draw a large “rice field” character (a grid like the kanji 田) on the ground with thick lines and play tag inside it.
It’s best suited for children aged 4 and up so they can understand and enjoy the rules.
If you play indoors, using vinyl tape works well.
The rules: run across the four square spaces formed by the 田 grid to escape from the tagger, and you’re out if you get tagged.
The tagger can only move along the lines.
Stretching your arms to catch others and running around to escape helps develop balance, quickness, and overall motor skills—making it a fun game!
Abuku-tatta
“Abukutatta” is a group game that children can enjoy.
First, choose one child to be the bean and have them squat in the middle.
The other children hold hands to form a circle and walk around while singing “Abukutatta.” Please look up the lyrics.
When the circling part ends, they continue singing, “Go home and close the cupboard,” adding gestures.
The bean child then taps “ton ton ton” as a signal.
When asked, “What’s that sound?” they answer with a sound.
If they say, “It’s the ghost’s sound,” that’s the cue to start a chase! Everyone runs to avoid being caught by the bean child.
With simple rules, it’s a fun game that strengthens bonds among children.
Chestnut Ogre
A tag game perfect for autumn! Here’s an idea called Chestnut Tag (Kuri Oni).
It’s similar to Freeze Tag, but the twist is that you transform into a chestnut! Choose one person to be ‘it’ (the oni), and everyone else runs to avoid being tagged.
If you’re about to be tagged, you can transform into a chestnut to create a barrier.
If a teammate touches you, you can start running again.
However, if you get tagged before transforming into a chestnut, move to the spectator area.
Animal Role-Playing Game
Let me introduce the Animal Role-Play Game, where you pretend to be animals.
The rules are simple: you become the animal given as the prompt and play by running around cones or avoiding obstacles.
Because you move your whole body, it can really liven up parties and gatherings.
Wearing animal masks or making animal sounds while you play is also recommended.
When you start the game, make sure to secure a spacious area and play safely to avoid injuries!
[Childcare] Let's all play! Recommended ideas for group activities and games (41–50)
Crawling tail-chasing game
Let’s introduce a crawling tail-tag game that gets kids excited.
Give each child a “tail” made by braiding plastic ribbon (like florist’s raffia).
The teacher is “it” and chases the children.
At the start signal, the children crawl away to avoid being caught.
If a child gets their tail taken by “it,” they can rejoin the game after doing five jumps and putting the tail back on.
Try swapping who’s “it” or increasing the number of chasers to keep the game fun!
Bomb Game
A simple “Bomb Game” you can play with a rubber ball.
The rules are like a preschool version of dodgeball: set up areas in advance using tape lines or mats, and have the children move from mat to mat while avoiding the ball.
First, explain, “The ball is a bomb, so you mustn’t get hit.” Start by tossing the ball gently with an easy arc, then raise the difficulty as they get used to it by changing the ball’s trajectory or throwing faster shots off the wall or floor.
The kids will love the thrill—guaranteed excitement!