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)

Indoor game with pool stick rackets

[Improve Your Posture!] Play at Home with a Pool Stick Racket

Indoor game with pool stick rackets

This is a pool noodle racket game that kids and adults can enjoy! First, bend a halved pool noodle into a ring and secure it with tape.

Next, wrap plastic wrap across it in a cross pattern three times, and you’ve got a clear racket! It’s fun to play solo with a balloon, but making another racket to play with a few people sounds great too.

Raising your head and lifting your arms in a “hands up” position is said to help strengthen your back muscles.

Because it’s very light, it’s safe for toddlers to play with.

It’s recommended for both outdoor and indoor play!

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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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The Little Bird’s Move

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Enjoy] “Little Bird Moving House” Recommended from Age 3 / Rule-based movement games and exercise/gymnastics educational videos from ‘Okaasan to Issho’ to improve motor skills

The Little Bird’s Move

This is a game where you pretend to be a little bird and move from one designated point to another without getting caught by predators.

Adults play the role of predators, such as crabs or crocodiles.

If you slip past the predators and make it to the next point, you’re safe.

Since you move from a seated “mountain pose” with your bottom on the floor, using your hands and feet, you can’t move freely.

This helps develop decision-making skills, such as when to start moving and how fast you can go.

If there are many players, using a point system makes it even more exciting.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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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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