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 (21–30)

Versatile item! Indoor play with a pool cue

http://www.lemon8-app.com

Here are some indoor play ideas using versatile pool noodles.

These easy-to-find pool noodles are great because kids can play with them safely.

While seated, you can make a slope with your knees and roll a pool noodle from the top—watching it pick up speed is lots of fun.

You can also try different activities, like crawling through a bent pool noodle, or moving just before a noodle falls (like the game “stick drop”) to catch it.

The variety of ways to play is a big attraction.

Since they’re made of soft material, they won’t hurt if they bump into the body, making for safe, enjoyable play.

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Seven Steps

Fingerplay counting song 'Seven Step' rhythm game

Seven Steps

Let’s have fun with a counting song fingerplay! Here are some ideas for Seven Steps.

This activity is a rhythm game that nurtures concentration by counting while moving the body.

Some children may find it a bit difficult until they get used to the rules, but sharing the sense of accomplishment with friends when they succeed will deepen their bonds.

If they make mistakes, don’t get discouraged—keep the atmosphere light and try again! This can help foster children’s perseverance and a mindset that doesn’t give up.

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[Childcare] Full of Energy! Indoor Physical Activity Ideas (31–40)

Bomb Game

[Guaranteed to be a big hit with toddlers] An ultra-easy “Bomb Game” you can play

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!

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Tail tag

Physical activity play to improve children's motor skills: 1-2. Tail Tag

Tail tag

Tail tag, where you battle all the other participants, is a game that excites both kids and adults.

Each player attaches a string as a “tail,” and at the start, they try to grab others’ tails while protecting their own.

The rules can vary—some versions eliminate you when your tail is taken, while others let you attach a new tail—but because the basic idea is simple—the person who collects the most tails wins—it’s also great for indoor play.

If you’re playing with toddlers around one year old, it can be exciting to have just one adult wear a tail and let all the kids chase and try to catch it.

Give it a try!

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Hoshino Takashi

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Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

[Kids’ Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors (Preschool to Lower Elementary)

Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

Here’s a game called “Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors” that helps children of different ages interact and become friends.

At the cue, “Copycat animal, rock-paper-scissors—go!” everyone strikes an animal pose.

If both partners choose the same animal pose, they earn 1 point; if they choose different poses, they spin around once on the spot.

It’s recommended that teachers and children decide the set of animal poses in advance.

You may see older children teaching the animal poses to younger ones.

Come up with lots of pose variations and have fun!

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Balloon Basketball

Balloon Basketball Even 1-Year-Olds Can Enjoy! #at-homeplay #homeplay #simpleplay #indoorplay #parentchildplay #balloonplay #momlife

Balloon Basketball

Basketball with fluffy balloons!? Here’s a balloon-basketball idea.

When you think of balloons, you probably imagine them popping up and then drifting down slowly.

But apparently, with just a simple wrap of something, a balloon can transform into a ball.

All you need is a balloon, vinyl tape, and a pool noodle.

Inflate the balloon and wrap it with vinyl tape, and your ball is ready! Cut a pool noodle in half to make a hoop, and you can enjoy basketball at home.

It’s a fun idea that even infants can play with!

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Copycat contest

[Kids' Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Race (For Preschoolers to Lower Elementary)

Copycat contest

Here’s a fun “Copycat Race” you can enjoy on the spot.

Prepare small chairs or cushions to get started.

The teacher says, “What’s the copycat race today?” and then names an animal or vehicle for the children to imitate.

The children pretend to be that animal or vehicle and go around their own chair or cushion three times.

When they finish, they sit on their chair or cushion to reach the goal.

The first person to sit down wins.

The rules are simple, so it’s a great game for all ages to get excited and play together.

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