![[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/0a_Asef2ufY/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play
In May, when temperatures begin to rise little by little from the warmth of spring, the fresh greenery is beautiful and it’s a season when you can spend lots of time in nature.
However, as the latter half of the month approaches the rainy season, there are more days with unstable weather, and you’ll likely spend more time indoors.
So this time, we’ll introduce activities that suit May’s climate and can be enjoyed both outdoors and indoors.
We’ve gathered a variety of May-recommended activities—from games that let kids move their bodies to their hearts’ content, to ways to savor nature, pretend play, traditional children’s songs, and even activities perfect for Children’s Day.
As children gradually get used to their new routines around this time of year, we hope you can deepen their connections with people and nature while sharing fun moments together!
[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play (1–10)
Bug-catching game
Once you’ve got your very own original bug cage and butterfly net, it’s time to head out! Here are some ideas for pretend bug catching.
Bugs are familiar friends to children—whether it’s spotting pill bugs on a walk or chasing butterflies.
This time, let’s make a one-of-a-kind bug cage and net.
We’ll use recycled materials like milk cartons and plastic bags.
Decorate them with pens, stickers, and cutouts of your favorite motifs from construction paper.
Once you’re done, let’s go out to the schoolyard or park!
A Little Stroll
https://www.instagram.com/kosodateshienroom_kato_genki/reel/C6xdETGqjr_/Let’s enjoy a special little walk! Here are some ideas for short strolls.
Don’t many preschools usually make use of parks, plazas, and their own playgrounds for outdoor activities? This time, let’s try taking a brief walk to nearby preschools or public facilities! Interactions among the children, as well as with the people at these facilities, are valuable opportunities to nurture their social skills.
Even as their hearts race with excitement, seeing them reach out their hands and call out to one another really lets us feel their growth.
Nursery School Exploration!
What kind of teachers are in which rooms? Here are some ideas for a preschool exploration! It’s sure to excite not only new and transferring children, but also those already familiar with the preschool.
With hearts pounding—“What is this room for?” “Is it okay to go in?”—let’s explore the preschool together with friends and teachers.
It can also be a chance to learn rules, such as the dos and don’ts in rooms with tiny babies or in rooms with a kitchen.
Walk Card
Spring brings good weather and is the perfect season for walks, doesn’t it? Take a stroll around the kindergarten with a fun “walk card.” We recommend drawing pictures of spring flowers and insects that can be found around the school on the walk card.
Hand out the cards before setting off and check what plants and insects are drawn on them—this will make the walk even more enjoyable.
Put stickers on the plants and insects you find, and talk about the discoveries you made.
When walking with the card, your gaze may naturally point downward, so please be extra careful about cars and enjoy your walk safely.
What we can learn about the global environment from picking up litter
April 22 every year is International Earth Day, a time to think about our planet and take action.
Many events are held across Japan, and litter-picking is a great option for children to join! As you pick up trash along your usual walking route, you’ll notice the scenery looks different.
It’s also helpful to explain to kids how trash affects the Earth using picture books or a panel theater.
Consider incorporating this as a way to spark their interest in the environment.
Let’s head out with a field guide!
Why not head out for a walk with a field guide in hand? Spring is exciting, with flowers in full bloom and insects becoming more active.
Take your guidebook on a stroll and look up the flowers and insects you find along the way.
Search for daisies in flowerbeds and bugs in open fields for a fun time.
Children can show each other the insects they’ve caught or pick flowers, discovering natural spring treasures and getting a feel for the season.
The more flowers and insects they find, the greater their joy will be.
Rag-wiping race
The Osaka Towel Wholesale Trade Association has designated April 29 as Towel Day.
It’s said that the period from early spring to early summer is when towels are used the most.
Towels are familiar to children too, often used as rags for cleaning floors or wiping tables, but washing them with water and then wringing them out by hand takes quite a bit of strength, doesn’t it? When wringing a towel, the vertical wring technique is recommended.
With vertical wringing, you keep your elbows close to your sides and rotate your wrists, allowing you to use your arm strength and wring more firmly.
Wringing towels also helps build grip strength, so try practicing it with your children!