Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Ideas for rope play and jump rope. Fun physical activities for children

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

With a little creativity, the ways to play with rope are endless.

One of rope’s charms is how easy it is to set up and how freely it can change form—loop it, lay it on the ground, or hang it from above.

Beyond jumping, children can step over it, crawl under it, pull it—there are so many active ways to play that we’d love to see ropes used more in nurseries and kindergartens.

So this time, we’re sharing ideas for games that use rope.

We’ve gathered a wide range of activities that children from infants to the oldest kindergarteners can enjoy, both indoors and outdoors.

Please try incorporating lots of these games, adapting them to each child’s age and developmental stage!

[Childcare] Rope-play and jump-rope ideas: Fun physical activities for kids (11–20)

Acorn Korokoro Jump

[Childcare] 5 Jump Rope Activities Without Jumping [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Acorn Korokoro Jump

Doing two things at once is also something you acquire through experience and practice.

Let’s build the ability to jump while singing with the “Donguri Korokoro Jump.” First, use a rope or jump rope to make a circle about 30 cm in diameter.

Start by standing inside the circle, then jump forward → jump back into the original circle → jump to the right → jump back into the original circle, and keep repeating these jumps as you move around the circle.

Do this in time with the song “Donguri Korokoro.” It may take time to get used to it—you might stop singing because you’re focused on the jumps, or sing too energetically and miss the jump direction.

If the rhythm fits, of course you can use other songs as well.

Raise the rankinglower

Taki no namida pin ku

Report a problem

In conclusion

We introduced games that use ropes and cords.

There were lots of activities that get the body moving.

When playing, please keep a close watch and make sure the ropes don’t get wrapped around children’s necks or legs, paying attention to rope length and securing enough space.

Hoods and fluttery clothing can get caught on ropes, so check the children’s outfits before starting.

Enjoy rope play to the fullest while keeping safety in mind.