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)

Ninja Play

[Exercise & Gymnastics for Kids] Recommended Rule-Based Game for 4- and 5-Year-Olds: 'Ninja Play' / Rule-based active games, exercises, and gymnastics educational videos to improve motor skills together with Mom

Ninja Play

Ninja play, where kids pretend to be ninjas, is an easy-to-understand and very popular indoor game.

An adult acts as the leader and demonstrates movements like tiptoeing silently or striking a shuriken-throwing pose.

It’s also exciting to have the adult suddenly turn around and say, “Who goes there?” as a cue for the children to freeze on the spot.

As the children get used to it, give more complex instructions to turn it into a thinking game.

It’s perfect for kids who love to imitate and can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Butt-walking race

[Nursery/Kindergarten] No Prep Needed! 10 Indoor Activities Kids Will Love [At-Home Play]

Butt-walking race

The “butt-walking race” is exactly what it sounds like: you walk toward the finish line with your butt on the floor.

How do you walk? You move forward by alternately shifting your legs stretched out in front of you left and right.

Think of it as pushing your pelvis forward bit by bit.

Beginners might feel unsure at first, so adults should demonstrate.

It looks very simple, but it’s tough enough that adults work up a sweat, so it’s a great chance for kids to use their whole bodies! Another nice point is that you can do this even in a small space, and there’s no risk of falling!

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Elephant and Spiderweb

The Sumire class (3-year-old preschoolers) is enjoying the group game “Elephant and Spider’s Web.” May 2016.

Elephant and Spiderweb

This is an activity to play along with the song “Zō-san to Kumo no Su” (The Elephant and the Spider Web).

First, choose one child to be the elephant, and have the other children sit in a circle.

The elephant walks around the circle while singing the song and selects seated children one by one.

When a child is chosen, they line up behind the elephant like a pretend train.

Once everyone has been chosen and is connected, finish by having everyone separate—like the spider web threads breaking—and flop down to lie or sit on the floor.

It’s a great way for children to communicate with each other, so give it a try!

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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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Churippu sharippu

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Churippu sharippu

Hold hands with your friends and play while calling each other’s names! Let me share the idea for “Churippu Sharippu.” There’s nothing to prepare, so just hum the song together and play.

There are moments in the song where you call out names, which makes it great for learning your friends’ names.

It’s especially recommended for classes with new or transferring children! You can adapt the way you play, so it’s an idea that children from infants to preschoolers can enjoy.

Be sure to try it in your activities.

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