[Childcare] DIY Ideas for Circuit Play
On rainy days when you can’t go outside, kids have so much extra energy, don’t they?
That’s when circuit play is highly recommended.
Circuit play, which involves a variety of whole-body movements, is perfect for kids who love to be active!
Through play, you can naturally promote the development of their motor skills.
In this article, we’ll introduce DIY ideas you can use for circuit play!
From tunnels and balance beams to stepping stones, there are plenty of ideas you can make with everyday recyclables and items from the dollar store.
Choose options that suit your children’s ages and developmental stages, and give them a try.
Once you build them sturdily, you can reuse them again and again—not just for everyday care, but also for sports days, parent observation days, and many other occasions.
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[Childcare] Handmade Ideas for Circuit Play (11–20)
PET bottle circuit
With its colorful look, it really lifts your spirits! Let me introduce an idea for a PET-bottle circuit.
All you need are 2-liter plastic bottles, tape, and paint.
Many people find it challenging to prepare all the equipment for circuit activities.
This idea is appealing because it makes use of plastic bottles, so there’s no need to buy new equipment.
Try creating a course where you walk across the tops of plastic bottles filled with brightly colored water, keeping your balance as you go!
Sponge block circuit
Let’s build your own course! Here are some ideas for a circuit using sponge blocks.
What you’ll need: sponge blocks, mats, a balance beam, and masking tape if necessary.
Sponge blocks come in a variety of shapes—rectangles, squares, triangles, and cylinders! Use a rich variety of sponge blocks to create your circuit course.
If you combine a balance beam and mats within the course, it’s sure to get kids excited and engaged.
A circuit for jumping over cardboard boxes
You can prepare this with materials you have at home or in your classroom! Here’s an idea for a cardboard jumping circuit.
You’ll need cardboard, scissors, a pen, a long floor cushion, and masking tape or vinyl tape.
Draw large illustrations on the cardboard and cut it in half.
Jump over the cut cardboard pieces and make your way to the goal.
With repeated actions like squatting and jumping, your whole body will warm up nicely.
Handmade ball circuit
Let’s use a variety of balls! Here are some ideas for a handmade ball circuit.
Prepare palm-sized balls, large balls you can hold with both hands, newspaper, cushioning material, tape, and bags or baskets big enough to hold the balls.
Try events like rolling balls along the floor or collecting balls in bags or baskets—use balls of different sizes and materials to build spatial awareness through play! Using balls that differ in weight and texture will also stimulate children’s senses.
Give it a try!
Newspaper Spiderweb Circuit
Tear it! Stick it! Crawl through and play! Here’s an idea for a newspaper spiderweb circuit.
You’ll need plastic ribbon (suzuran tape), newspaper, and tape.
This is a great idea when you want to include crawling movements in your circuit.
Some children find tunnels challenging because they’re dark and long.
By tearing and sticking newspaper as part of everyday activities, you can naturally encourage crawling movements! The making process also stimulates children’s creativity—what a wonderful idea.