[Childcare] Wordplay and game ideas everyone can enjoy together

Animal Role-Playing Game

Let's try it! Animal role-play game

Here’s a pretend-play animal game that builds expressive skills.

The teacher tells the children the name of the animal they should transform into.

When the teacher hits the drum once, the children turn into that animal.

There are no set movements, so encourage the children to freely and boldly express the animal’s movements as they imagine them.

When the teacher hits the drum twice, they return to being human.

Repeat this pattern and have everyone enjoy fully becoming the animals.

Listen carefully to the sound of the drum, transform into different animals, and have fun moving your bodies together across mixed age groups.

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mayumi

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Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

big-game hunting

[You can also see childcare in action] Ms. Rio’s active play [Big Game Hunting]

Get the fun going! Here are some ideas for the game “Mōjūgari” (Wild Beast Hunt).

It’s a great way to explore number concepts while playing, so we highly recommend it! The call-and-response is done by having children repeat the teacher’s or caregiver’s lines, so keeping it simple and easy to understand is key.

Rules: The teacher or caregiver tells the children the name of an animal.

The children then form groups and sit down in numbers that match the number of letters in the animal’s name specified by the teacher or caregiver.

Start with animals that have fewer letters, and once they get used to it, switch to animals with more letters so they won’t get bored.

Balloon Shiritori

[Balloon Shiritori] A series of at-home games you can play with your kids #shorts

It’s a game where you pass a balloon around while playing shiritori, trying not to let the balloon fall.

When the previous person says a letter and passes the balloon, the next person must add a shiritori word before touching the balloon.

It may seem easy, but sometimes you can’t think of words when you’re focused on the balloon.

This game helps develop various skills in children—not only physical ability but also recognition skills and a sense of rhythm.

When playing indoors, trying it while seated offers a different kind of fun and is recommended! Feel free to adapt it to suit the age of the children.

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kepiko

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Ball-grabbing game

@bear_kids_official

Ball-grab game!!! Touch the body part you hear—like “head,” “tummy,” or “knees.” When you hear “Change,” switch places. When you hear “Ball!” …grab the ball. It helps develop quick reactions, decision-making, and listening skills. For trial visits or inquiries, feel free to contact us via our official LINE or by phone. We look forward to hearing from you!After-school day serviceChild Development Supportgroup therapy (for children)/group developmental support#Child Development Support (Japan)#After-school day serviceJoto WardNoe#abaIndoor exerciseRecommendation

♬ Comical lively cute sports day – SOUND BANK

Let’s control our actions by following the instructions we hear! Here’s an idea for a ball-grabbing game.

In this game, while touching the body part instructed by a teacher or guardian, you quickly react to the word “ball” and pick up a ball placed on the floor.

Once the players get used to it, you can increase the number of instruction words.

For example, start with three words like “head,” “tummy,” and “bottom,” and feel free to adjust the rules according to the child’s level of understanding and responsiveness.