Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas

Handkerchief Theater

[Childcare] Handkerchief Play / Let's Tell a Story While Folding a Handkerchief [Gonbe-san's Baby] Handkerchief Theater

All you need is a handkerchief and you’re ready to go! Here are some ideas for a handkerchief theater.

All you have to prepare is a handkerchief.

With the teacher’s words and movements, the handkerchief will quickly start to look like a mask or a mountain.

Children will be captivated by the story as their imaginations grow! It’s great before going for a walk or to fill small gaps of time.

Larger handkerchiefs are easier to pretend into various objects, so pay attention to the size you use.

Give handkerchief theater a try!

Catch the ball with a towel

@soramame.sensei

Perfect for groups of 3 or more! Teamwork is super important ✨ Catch with a towel!! Child Development Support, After-School Day Service, Therapy, Early Learning, Teamwork, Ball Play, Color Balls, Kids, Parent–Child Time, At-Home Time

♬ Happening comical slapstick in a hurry(898486) – Kids Sound

Let’s work together as a team to clear the mission! Here’s an idea for catching a ball with a towel.

You’ll need a face towel, some colored balls, and a basket.

How to play: Pair up in teams of two, face each other, and each person holds one end of the face towel.

Coordinate your timing and use the towel to catch the colored ball thrown by the teacher! It could be fun to compete as teams, too.

Once everyone’s used to the colored balls, try switching to balloons for a new twist! Give it a try.

[Children’s Song] Chu-chu Kokko, Stop

Chuchu Kokkotomare

Let me introduce the traditional children’s song “Chucchuk Kokko Tomare.” All you need is a handkerchief—something light works best.

It’s a great idea for rhythm play and bonding play with infants.

As teachers or caregivers move the handkerchief up and down or toss it, the child’s gaze will likely follow, becoming fully engaged.

Once they get used to it, you may even see the child tossing the handkerchief and playing on their own.

Be sure to have fun and enjoy playing together with the child!

Daruma doll made with a handkerchief

Daruma-san (Handkerchief Game)

Here’s an idea for making a “Daruma-san” game with a handkerchief.

All you need is a handkerchief or a scarf.

Many of you have probably played the staring game with the chant “Appuppu!” This idea is a playful twist where you cover the face with a handkerchief and then reveal the hidden face right at the “Appuppu!” cue— the surprise is so fun it becomes addictive.

It’s a great idea for interactive play with infants.

Another plus is that you can play without any preparation, just using a handkerchief! Give it a try.

Banana made with a handkerchief

[Handkerchief Play] How to Make a Handkerchief Banana

When it comes to handkerchief games, many of you probably made and played with them as children.

Here’s a fun idea: make a banana out of a handkerchief.

All you need is a handkerchief.

Pinch the center and pull it upward, then fold up the corners—and your banana is complete! If you treat the corners as the peel and “peel” them back, the banana inside appears, which is really fun! There are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs about bananas, so singing while you play can keep children even more engaged.

Give it a try!