[Childcare] Overnight childcare ideas: from activities to games

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!

Hula hoop down

[Sports Recreation] Hula Hoop Down — From Failure to Success

Here’s an idea for a “Hula-Hoop Down” activity.

Form teams of 7–8 people and lift a hoop using only everyone’s index fingers.

The key is to work together and communicate so you don’t drop the hula-hoop as you lower it from chest height to the floor.

It helps to coordinate your timing by watching the hoop’s movement and calling out cues like “Lowering now” and “Let’s stop.” It’s funny—if everyone’s mindset isn’t aligned, the hula-hoop somehow starts to tilt! Give it a try!

Bug-catching game

Looks fun! …but the cleanup seems tough. #ChildcareWorker #AfterSchoolDayService #AichiPrefecture #TokaiCity #FreeSmile #Recreation #Play #Fluttering #Origami

Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.

The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.

The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.

The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.

It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.

Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!

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mayumi

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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 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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Copycat game

Let's try it with the teacher! Copycat Game♪

Let’s have fun with body mimicry! Here are some ideas for a copycat game that’s sure to make everyone smile.

While copying the teacher’s movements, strike unique poses like animals or heroes and play together.

You’ll find yourselves laughing and saying, “What is this?!” as you move your bodies.

While playing, kids build flexibility and balance, and the best part is learning through fun—“Can you really do this pose?” You might even discover some unexpected moves!

Moguradon’s

November nursery rhyme “Mogura-don”

A children’s hand-play song to enjoy interacting with friends through singing and movement! Here’s an idea for the game “Mogura-don” (Mr.

Mole).

These traditional play songs are often used in children’s hand games and group activities.

Their lyrics and melodies are short and easy to remember, which is part of their charm.

In this simple game, everyone forms a circle and walks around the person playing the “mole,” who sits in the center, while singing.

When the song ends, the “mole” stands up and tries to catch the children.

Give it a try!