[List] A roundup of games and recreational activities kids love

Birdcage play

Birdcage Game — Using Ringbee and Dodgebee (After-School Care Recreation)

Birdcage Play is a group game for after-school programs that uses flying-disc toys.

The rules are simple: One child plays the “bird” in the center, while the surrounding children form the “cage.” Players outside the cage throw the disc to one another, keeping the passes going while taking care not to hit the bird in the middle.

The bird moves around trying to catch the incoming disc; if they make a catch, they swap places with the thrower.

The game tests reflexes and throwing accuracy, and the possibility of switching roles adds a fun sense of tension.

You can freely adapt it to the number of players and discs available.

By using soft flying discs and other safety measures, kids can enjoy both the thrill and the physical activity of this game.

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kojifumi

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Chinese jump rope

Let's try rubber band jumping!! #1

Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.

A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.

The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.

Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.

There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.

It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.

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mutō

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Trump & Card Game

[Tokai Village] I~MO’s Exciting Channel (23): Karuta & Card Games — “Treasure Hunt Karuta” & “Speed Concentration”

We’d like to introduce card games using playing cards or karuta.

Usually, you play with cards on a desk or on a small space on the floor.

This time, try using a large classroom with desks and chairs pushed aside.

If you’re using playing cards, spread out all the cards to play Concentration; if you’re using karuta, spread out the picture cards around the room.

Because the game takes place in a large space, the children will walk around to look for the cards.

A card game with a wide range of movement is sure to get the kids excited.

Playing in teams is also recommended.

You’ll likely hear teammates calling out hints like, “There’s one over there!”

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Nakajima Junko

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triathlon

Let’s clear the challenges set at each station and aim for the finish! Here’s a triathlon-inspired idea.

A triathlon is a race where you swim, cycle, and run in sequence to reach the goal, right? This time, let’s try playing a game where you aim for the finish by overcoming a series of continuous challenges, just like a triathlon.

In the video, it looks like pairs are cooperating and playing together.

How about incorporating this into your activities with some adaptations?

Hoop Tail Grab

Let me introduce a thrilling hoop tail-tag game.

Attach a tail to your backside and try to escape within a hula hoop so it doesn’t get taken.

If your tail is taken, the game is over.

Since the space inside the hula hoop is limited, the key is to move your body cleverly to avoid having your tail grabbed.

It may be even more exciting if you set a time limit or prepare extra hula hoops.

If you increase the number of hula hoops, it’s also recommended to add more taggers.

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mayumi

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Group boat race

@hiyoko_sakuranbo

You can start tomorrow! Group rhythm “Boat Race” “Solo boat” and “Two-person boat” are fun, but doing it as a group of 7 or 8 is even more fun! If you include it at the end of a requested staff training, the teachers’ smiles burst forth, and you can finish the session in a joyful atmosphere. It’s the same with children. If you end with a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy together, you’re sure to see the biggest smiles. ✨ Give it a try in tomorrow’s childcare! **************** “Saito Kimiko’s Cherry Rhythm Play” is a scientifically grounded method that promotes children’s development through play. We share rhythm activities that can be implemented immediately in educational settings through workshops and at preschools nationwide. **************** Mayumi Murata | Cherry Rhythm Play ▶ Book text composition for “DVD Book Complete Visual Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Childcare” ▶ Planning and editing for “Illustrated Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Sakura·Sakuranbo Rhythm Play” Thank you for your likes and follows!#Cherry Rhythm PlaySakura Sakura-nbo Rhythm#Rhythm PlayRhythm PlayHiroko SaitoNursery teacher / Childcare workerKindergarten TeacherGroup boat race

♪ Original Song – hiyoko_sakuranbo – hiyoko_sakuranbo

Perfect for class recreation or grade-level activities! Here are ideas for a group boat race.

You know how rowing is an Olympic sport, right? This time, we’re sharing ideas for a boat race played in groups.

In the video, teams of seven sit in a row and inch forward toward the goal by pushing with their heels.

It’s not just the person in front who does the work—when everyone on the team synchronizes their timing, you can make big progress! It’s also a good idea to use a chant like “1, 2, 1, 2” or “Ready, go!”

Go! Go! Gold Medal

[Untokodokkoi Sports Day 29] Go! Go! Gold Medal!

Let’s enjoy a parent-and-child exercise together! Here are some GO! GO! Gold Medal ideas.

This activity is a fun workout where you move your body to music using small hoop-like items.

You can make the rings from everyday materials, like cutting them out of newspaper or paper plates.

Since it’s themed around gold medals, finishing them with gold holographic tape would be great.

Facing each other and making eye contact, as well as physical touch, can deepen your bond even more.