[Childcare] Fun mat play ideas for enjoyable exercise
Even when childcare takes place indoors, you still want kids to move their bodies and play… Many teachers probably share this concern.
Mat play is perfect for energetic children because it lets them use their whole bodies while keeping safety in mind.
We’ve gathered ideas suitable for a range of ages, so you’re sure to find activities that match the children’s developmental stages.
It’s also great to combine ideas to create your own original games.
Let’s help children move plenty and have fun, even on days when outdoor play isn’t possible.
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[Childcare] Fun Mat Play Ideas for Physical Activity (11–20)
[Ages 4 and up] Climbing the mat wall
![[Ages 4 and up] Climbing the mat wall](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/flJA-JVdcqU/sddefault.jpg)
Mats aren’t just for laying on the floor and playing—they can be used to build walls too! A great activity for children around age four, when their motor skills have developed to a certain extent, is “mat wall climbing.” All you have to do is prop a mat diagonally between the stage and the floor, making it an easy activity to try.
You can also increase the difficulty by changing the angle of the mat! Because it engages the whole body—arms, legs, and more—it’s very helpful for improving your child’s physical abilities.
If several children do it together, they can support one another and play while interacting with friends.
Give it a try!
Mat rolling
“Mat Rolling” is a mat activity that uses the whole body.
It involves rolling sideways across a mat.
The actions of twisting the body and using your hands to change direction engage more of the body than they appear to.
Children typically start to be able to do this gradually around age two, so adults should provide solid support.
Once they get the hang of it, the spinning sensation in their field of vision is amusing and can become addictive.
It can also be enjoyed by rolling together with a parent or teacher.
That way, even children who are not confident with mat activities can participate comfortably.
Spinning Mat Demon
For a high-intensity mat activity, we recommend “Guruguru Mat Tag.” In this game, you line up mats lengthwise and move around them imitating animals, like a game of tag.
The tagger stands outside the circle and gives a signal.
At the signal, the people inside the circle hide part of their body under the mat.
The rule is that until they finish hiding, they might get caught by the tagger.
Enjoy the fun of pretending to be animals and the thrill of possibly being caught.
Superman
How about trying “Superman,” an activity where you can pretend to be a hero from anime or movies and have fun? First, lie down on a mat and stretch your arms and legs straight.
Then arch your body upward.
This pose is called “Superman” because it resembles a hero flying through the sky.
In fact, it can also help you practice how to fall safely and strengthen your core.
It’s an ideal first step for back-arching exercises, too.
Give it a try while having a lively, fun time together.
forward roll
A forward roll is the foundation of mat exercises! Once you can do a forward roll well, you can try a variety of forward-roll techniques.
If a child is not yet proficient, teachers or guardians should stay close and provide as much support as possible.
Be careful to avoid injuries and never push beyond one’s limits.
The initial posture is crucial for a good forward roll: place your hands close to your feet, keep your hips raised, and look at your belly button.
For children who struggle with exercise, practicing the “cradle” position—rocking the body gently back and forth—is also recommended to develop a sense of rotating the body.