Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving

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.

There are times when the weather or location keeps you from playing outside, right?

You still want to get moving and play with your energetic kids, even just a little.

For teachers who feel this way, here are some ideas for indoor active play.

The games that captivate children vary depending on their age and interests.

This time, we’ve gathered activities that involve different movements and creative thinking—so you’re sure to find ideas that fit your class perfectly!

Kids will be thrilled with games that are possible precisely because they’re indoors.

Teachers, have fun together with the children, too.

[Childcare] Full of energy! A collection of indoor play ideas to get kids moving (41–50)

giant ball

https://www.tiktok.com/@nacchi_asobi/video/7475009257109376264

Let me introduce a giant ball that kids will be super excited about.

The method is very simple: inflate a garbage bag and tie it off to make a large ball shape.

Wrap duct tape around it, and you’re done.

If you change the colors of the tape as you stick it on, it becomes a visually fun ball as well.

Hold it, throw it—use your whole body and play freely with the giant ball.

Another plus is that, since it’s made of plastic, it won’t hurt even if it hits your head or body.

It might also be fun to make several of the same kind and play with them like a maze.

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Color ball play

Color Ball Play! [Ages 1–2] | Taishogawa Yūiku-en [Daycare/Kindergarten Event]

Color ball play

Play with colorful balls that children love is so appealing.

When you dump the balls out of the box all at once to make a wave of balls, the kids are thrilled by the movement of the colorful balls.

Using color balls sparks interest in colors and, by tracking them with their eyes, also helps develop eye movement.

Grasping, holding, and throwing the balls stimulates fine motor skills and arm movements.

Counting the color balls out loud together—how many there are—also creates a great opportunity to learn numbers.

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Ball tag

[Childcare] Ball Tag #tag #nurseryteacher #outdoorplay #childcareideas #kindergarten

Ball tag

Let me introduce a tag game using a soft ball, called “Ball Oni.” Once the tagger (oni) is chosen, the tagger chases the others while holding the ball.

The tagger throws the ball at the players who are running away.

The player who gets hit by the ball becomes the next tagger and they switch roles.

Running and throwing the ball provide full-body exercise.

When playing Ball Oni, be sure to use a soft ball and explain safety rules beforehand, such as not aiming at the head or face.

If you’re in a large area, it might also be good to set boundaries for where players can run.

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Inside-Outside Game

@kyojifukushikai_staff
Inside-Outside Game! Train your judgment and concentration!Exercise Play Childcare #Nursery school Nursery teacher / Childcare worker child
♬ familie – Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Listen carefully to the instructions and get moving! Here are some ideas for Inside-Outside games.

The great thing is that people of all ages, from kids to adults, can enjoy them! It’s unique and fun to have children move around while following instructions.

Since you can play both indoors and outdoors, the weather won’t get in the way.

These games help develop reflexes, concentration, and teamwork while you play! The rules are simple and easy to understand, so take this opportunity to give them a try.

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Mukkuri Kuma-san

[Group Game] “Mukkuri Kuma-san” | How to Play “Mukkuri Kuma-san”

Mukkuri Kuma-san

Let’s enjoy traditional nursery rhymes! Here’s an idea using “Mukkuri Kuma-san.” Warabe-uta are traditional Japanese children’s songs that are fun because adults and kids can sing and play together.

They have a good rhythm, simple lyrics and melodies, and are easy for children to remember.

For Mukkuri Kuma-san, choose one child to be the bear, and have the other children hold hands and walk in a circle around the bear.

When the song ends, the bear chases everyone.

The person tagged by the bear becomes the next bear.

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