Winter activities to enjoy at daycare! Outdoor play and nature play that warm the heart and body.

Making ice

[For 5-year-olds] Make ice and do experiment play

Cold winters may give the impression that it’s hard to play outside, but there are fun activities that are unique to the season! Since the temperature drops enough for water to freeze, try making ice for a creative and enjoyable playtime.

Prepare the day before by filling a container with water and floating whatever you like in it, such as leaves or flowers.

Coloring the water with paint or food coloring could be interesting, too.

If you choose containers of different shapes, you’ll find uniquely shaped ice the next morning.

You can also try simple experiments with the ice you made.

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nikki

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kite flying

Let’s play with Dad♪ Old-fashioned play [Kite Flying]

Here’s an introduction to making a DIY kite that’s perfect for outdoor play on winter days.

You’ll need a plastic bag, a paper chain, kite string, clear tape, and permanent colored markers.

First, thread the kite string through the plastic bag’s handles and tie it.

Cut the string to a suitable length and make a loop so it’s easy to hold.

Next, attach the kite’s tail by taping the paper chain to the lower part of the plastic bag with clear tape.

Finally, draw your favorite designs on the plastic bag with the markers—and you’re done! Run around energetically and warm yourself up!

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kepiko

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scarecrow

#24 Ground Play: “Kakashi” (Scarecrow)

Let me introduce a simple game you can play with stones called “Kakashi”! First, draw a large triangle made of two stacked triangles on the ground.

Below that, use chalk to draw five squares connected vertically, and on the second square from the top, add two squares to the left and right.

Draw a line at the bottom.

The rules: stand on the line and throw a stone so it lands in the first square.

Hopscotch your way forward and back to the line, skipping the square with the stone.

After you go there and back, it’s the next player’s turn.

Once you succeed with the first square, throw into the second square next, and so on.

If your stone doesn’t land inside the target square or you fail to go there and back, it’s the next player’s turn.

The first player to successfully throw a stone into every square and complete the round trip wins.

You can also enjoy it solo, so give it a try!

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kepiko

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Red Light, Green Light

#Shorts Daruma-san ga koronda! English toddlers nursery 2023-02-27

Here’s a recommended outdoor game for kids! “Daruma-san ga koronda” gets really exciting when played with a large group.

First, choose one person to be “it” (the oni).

It’s fun whether an adult or a child plays the role.

The person who’s “it” turns their back, closes their eyes, and says “Daruma-san ga koronda.” When they finish saying it, they turn around and open their eyes.

The other children move toward the “it” while the phrase is being said, but they must freeze the instant “it” turns around.

If anyone is caught moving, they’re out.

Try to approach without being noticed, and when someone manages to touch “it,” everyone runs away at once.

If you get caught while running, you’re out, too.

Stay active and have fun even in the cold winter!

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kepiko

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Cat and Mouse

[You can see the childcare in action] Teacher Rio’s active play [Cat and Mouse]

“Cat and Mouse” is a full-body game where judgment and teamwork matter.

The rules are simple: split into Cat and Mouse teams.

When the teacher says, “Ne, ne, ne, nezumi,” the Mouse team chases the Cats.

The Cats try not to get tagged; if a Cat is tagged, they switch to the Mouse team.

You repeat this many times.

A fun point is how flexible it is: you can adjust the rules by age, have players chase while holding a ball, and make other variations to broaden the ways to play.

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mayumi

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oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)

Traditional Playground Games Newspaper #1: Oshikura Manju

Here’s a recommended game of “oshikura manju” for kids that’s fun and active both indoors and outdoors! You draw a circle on the ground, and when you’re outside it’s easy to draw, so you can start right away.

First, everyone steps into the circle and stands back-to-back to form a ring.

At the start signal, sing “Oshikura manju, osarete nakunā” while gently pushing each other with your backs and hips.

If your feet or body go outside the circle, or if your hands touch the floor, you’re out.

The last person remaining inside the circle wins.

Get moving on cold days and warm yourselves up!

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kepiko

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Nature scavenger hunt on a winter walk

[Walk] A winter stroll in the park—wonder what encounters await?

On winter walks in the park, children can discover all kinds of exciting treasures.

Colorful fallen leaves, acorns and nuts, animal tracks—there are so many fun finds.

It’s also important to bundle up with gloves and a hat before setting out to keep warm.

Breathing in the crisp winter air, engaging the five senses, and incorporating activities that get their bodies moving are highly recommended.

Touching natural objects also nurtures emotional growth and creativity.

Let’s create an environment where children can safely immerse themselves in nature.

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mayumi

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