[Childcare] Overnight childcare ideas: from activities to games

sleepover

I think many preschools plan an overnight stay for the oldest class.

As children move up to the oldest group, their admiration grows because they know there will be an overnight event.

The children who take part will likely feel both excited to spend time with friends and teachers away from their families and a little bit anxious.

There will be lots of fun activities, like cooking meals together, having a campfire, and watching a movie! To help prevent anxiety in this different environment, share the overall plan with the children and check in with parents beforehand about any concerns, so everyone can enjoy a fun overnight stay.

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mayumi

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Playing campsite

[2-Year-Olds] Everything is handmade by the kids! Let's play campgrounds!

Here’s a handmade “pretend camping” activity you can enjoy outdoors, too.

Let’s make a tent—an essential for camping—by drawing pictures on a plastic bag with colored pens.

For fishing, blow up balloons and turn them into fish.

Talk about what colors you want your fish to be as you make them! For the barbecue, make the corn by wrapping bubble wrap to create the texture.

Prepare other foods like yakisoba and vegetables, and chat about what kind of barbecue you want while you make them.

A handmade camping day like this is sure to be a hit!

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mayumi

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Touch & In-Game

Let’s play with balls and balloons! Here’s a touch-and-in game idea.

It’s a wonderful activity that helps children build concentration while having fun.

Spread baskets and colored balls on the floor, and while continuously tapping the balloon to keep it from falling, put the colored balls into the baskets.

In this game, kids use dexterity and reflexes to control the balloon while collecting the balls.

It gets their bodies moving as they play, so try it with children who are great at tidying up!

Mukkuri Kuma-san

[Group Game] “Mukkuri Kuma-san” | How to Play “Mukkuri Kuma-san”

A game even infants can enjoy! Here are some ideas for the “Mukkuri Kuma-san” game.

Group play is a great opportunity for children to learn communication skills and how to cooperate.

By playing with friends from the infant class, children can develop the ability to understand rules and other people’s feelings.

In this simple game, everyone forms a circle, sings a song, and walks around the “sleeping bear.” When the song ends, the person playing the bear wakes up and tries to catch the children.

Give it a try!

Balloon Whack Game

[Age 3] “Balloon Whack Game”

Here’s a game using balloons that kids love: the Balloon Smack Game.

It’s basically the summer watermelon-smashing game, but with a balloon instead of a watermelon.

One designated player wears a blindfold and swings a plastic bat toward the balloon.

Spectators should keep a safe distance and guide the player with their voices: “To the right!” “A little farther back!” and so on, helping them find the balloon.

It also works well as a warm-up when you’re planning to do a real watermelon-smashing activity at an overnight camp or summer festival.

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hiyoko sensei

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Reverse hide-and-seek

Reverse hide-and-seek: When you spot the ‘it’ (the tagger), hide immediately! Who will be the last one remaining...?

The idea of adding a little twist to the usual game of hide-and-seek—reverse hide-and-seek—is really fun and highly recommended.

The rules are flipped: the seeker is the one who hides! Everyone else tries to find the hiding seeker.

If you’re lucky enough to find them, you then go hide somewhere yourself! The person who can’t find the last remaining hider loses.

You might feel like shouting “Found you!” when you spot them, but if you do, everyone else will rush over.

So in reverse hide-and-seek, even if you find the seeker, quietly go hide yourself.

It’s a thrilling game where you keep the joy of discovery to yourself.

balloon volleyball

@bear_kids_official

Group developmental support: “Balloon Volleyball.” We use balloon play to develop motor skills and sense of balance. By cooperating as a team, children cultivate social skills and cooperation, while also improving concentration and attention.#BalloonVolleyballChild Development SupportAfter-school day service# developmental support (ryōiku)

♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service

Tap the pom-poms and balloons to build motor skills and balance! Here’s a balloon volleyball idea.

All you need is a net and some balloons.

It’s a fun way to get moving! With this simple game using a net and balloons, kids will try not to let the balloon fall, reacting quickly and working to send it into the opponent’s court.

It not only boosts physical ability, but also serves as a great activity for learning cooperation and teamwork.

Give it a try!