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! Indoor Physical Activity Ideas (31–40)

Sorting Game

Sorting Game with Three Colored Balls That Rapidly Boosts Reaction Skills | After-School Day Service in Morioka City

Sorting Game

Let me introduce a sorting game.

Prepare three colors of balls—red, blue, and yellow—and one red box and one blue box.

Catch the ball that the teacher throws, then put red balls into the red box and blue balls into the blue box, while avoiding (not catching) yellow balls.

By repeating these movements continuously, you can train reaction ability.

Start with slow throwing speed at first, and as you get used to it, it’s recommended to increase the speed to make it more fun.

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rhythm game

[Simple Rhythm Game] Fun to do on the spot even for toddlers. Also great for practicing jump rope!

rhythm game

Rhythm games, which let you train your sense of rhythm, quick reactions, and endurance while having fun, are a great indoor activity when you want to move your body but can’t go outside.

You move to the beat following instructions like forward/backward, left/right, or up/down.

Kids will likely get absorbed in it.

Because you make instant decisions to match the rhythm and experiment to see if you can execute the correct movements, it becomes a full-body workout that rivals outdoor play.

Once you get used to it, you can enjoy adding more complex instructions and gestures—an active indoor game that adults can join in and enjoy together.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Balloon Play

Balloon Play for 4-Year-Olds

Balloon Play

Balloons floating softly in the air are very safe, so kids can play with them with peace of mind.

Here are some indoor games using balloons.

The “keep it off the floor” game naturally encourages kids to cooperate, calling out to each other to keep the balloon from touching the floor and getting excited together.

In the balloon passing game, form groups of about six and split into teams.

Enjoy sending the balloon from front to back, or passing it under the knees.

The team that can pass the balloon the fastest wins.

You can also stick a strip of plastic tape across the middle of the room and enjoy balloon volleyball or soccer.

Please choose and enjoy games suited to the children’s ages.

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Moguradon’snursery rhyme

November nursery rhyme “Mogura-don”

Moguradon’s Nursery Rhyme

Let me introduce a mole-themed nursery rhyme game that friends or parents and children can enjoy together.

Everyone forms a circle and holds hands.

One person sits in the center as the mole.

When everyone calls out, “Mole, wake up!” the mole answers, “Okay!” and wakes up.

At the same moment, the people around should try to run away so they don’t get caught by the mole.

The mole chases and tags someone.

Next, the person who was tagged switches roles and becomes the mole.

You can make it even more fun by discussing and changing the lines you say during the game.

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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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