Let's play with a big group! A collection of fun children's recreational activities

big-game hunting

[You can also see childcare in action] Ms. Rio’s active play [Big Game Hunting]

Get the fun going! Here are some ideas for the game “Mōjūgari” (Wild Beast Hunt).

It’s a great way to explore number concepts while playing, so we highly recommend it! The call-and-response is done by having children repeat the teacher’s or caregiver’s lines, so keeping it simple and easy to understand is key.

Rules: The teacher or caregiver tells the children the name of an animal.

The children then form groups and sit down in numbers that match the number of letters in the animal’s name specified by the teacher or caregiver.

Start with animals that have fewer letters, and once they get used to it, switch to animals with more letters so they won’t get bored.

Rokumushi

Rokumushi

Are you familiar with the traditional playground game called “Rokumushi”? It has simple rules, but it’s a thrilling, heart-pounding ball game.

Draw a circle at each end of a space about 20 meters apart, and have one person stand inside each circle.

These two are “it.” The other children gather in one of the circles, and while the two “it” players are playing catch with the ball, everyone else tries to run to the other circle.

Each successful crossing counts as “ichimushi” (one), and if you go back and forth until you reach “rokumushi” (six), you win.

If you’re hit by the ball while running back and forth, switch roles and become “it.” Because it’s a folk game, the rules can vary a bit by region, but it sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?

Don Janken

After-school Children’s Classroom Physical Activity Program: “Don Janken”

Let’s try playing Don-Janken, a quick and exciting game you can enjoy anywhere! The rules are very simple: split into two teams and line up at opposite ends.

At the signal, the first person from each team runs forward, and when they meet, they play rock-paper-scissors.

If you win, you keep going; if you lose, the next teammate starts running.

You continue advancing by playing rock-paper-scissors, aiming to reach the opponent’s side.

It’s called Don-Janken because when you meet, you both stretch your hands forward, touch with a “don!” and stop.

Play carefully to avoid injuries.

Handkerchief-snatching game

🧡No.2 [Parent-Child Play / Improve Athletic Ability] “Handkerchief Grab Game” Boosts Reflexes‼️ So fun 😄

The classic indoor game you can play even on rainy days, the “handkerchief grab,” can be enjoyed in many variations depending on the rules.

In this version, players sit on chairs facing each other with knees almost touching, place a handkerchief in the middle, and grab it when the whistle blows.

You can play with many people, or make it a one-on-one tournament where winners advance.

There’s also a high-level version where people around you try to chat with you, and the whistle blows when your attention drifts to the conversation.

It’s a highly recommended game that lets everyone have fun while sharpening their reflexes and coordination!

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hiyori

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Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game

[Group Play] Run Away from the Hula Hoop Game!

Great for group play! Here’s an idea for a “Run from the Hula Hoop” game.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

The rules are simple: children try not to get hit by a hula hoop that a parent or teacher rolls.

The key is to anticipate the hoop’s speed and direction and move accordingly.

Once everyone gets used to the game, adding variety to how the hoop moves will keep the kids engaged and prevent boredom.

Give it a try in your activities!

Plastic Bottle Bowling

[Ages 1–2] First-Time Plastic Bottle Bowling!!

Let us introduce PET bottle bowling, an easy game to enjoy at parties and more.

Line up plastic bottles like bowling pins, then throw a ball and try to knock them down.

Compete by seeing how many bottles you can topple.

It’s a good idea to adjust the weight of the ball according to the players’ ages.

You can also put a little water in the bottles for added challenge and excitement.

Writing point values on the bottles and competing for scores, or playing in teams, can make it even more fun!

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mayumi

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chimney game

Chimney Game! Ball Play (4- and 5-Year-Olds)

Let’s do our best not to lose to the chimney sweeper! Here’s an idea for a chimney game.

This is a unique game that uses balls and mats.

If your center doesn’t have mats, connected cardboard pieces will also work.

A teacher, transformed into a chimney sweeper, goes inside the chimney.

The children try to toss balls into the chimney so they won’t lose to the sweeper.

They can build skills by making strategies and watching for moments when the teacher lets their guard down.

Give it a try! If you have a large group, a key tip is to prepare more balls than the number of participants.