[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!
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[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play (21–30)
from top and bottom
Ue kara Shita kara is a traditional children’s song you can sing and play while shaking a cloth up and down.
It’s a game that can be enjoyed from many angles—sending breezes, touching the fabric, and more.
Gently draping a thin, soft cloth over the children can elicit all kinds of reactions.
It’s perfect for livening up indoor play in May when it’s raining and you can’t go outside.
Taking turns covering each other with the cloth and calling out to one another also creates opportunities for communication.
Why not incorporate this springtime-appropriate activity into your childcare setting?
one bamboo shoot
A game themed around bamboo shoots, a spring seasonal ingredient: “Takenoko Ippon” (One Bamboo Shoot).
Players split into an Oni (the puller) who “pulls out” the bamboo shoots, and the bamboo shoots themselves.
The game starts with the Oni’s chant.
In response to the lyrics, “Give me XX bamboo shoots,” the players acting as bamboo shoots react.
If the Oni manages to pull someone out from the line, they bring that person back to their side.
Kids can enjoy a variety of full-body movements—clinging to teachers or friends, being carried, and more.
Give this unique game a try; it’s fun both indoors and outdoors.
inverse signal
Opposite Signal is a game where you move in the opposite way of the caller’s instructions.
It’s an activity you can enjoy anywhere, from indoors to outdoors, with no preparation needed.
The caller gives prompts like “Run” or “Sit.” Everyone present should walk when told to run, and stand when told to sit.
Anyone who makes a mistake sits down and cheers on the remaining players.
While moving your body and playing, it also serves as training to develop judgment and thinking skills.
Give this game a try—it’s perfect for the warm, pleasant days of spring.
Eurhythmics (Rainy Season Version)
As the rainy season begins in late May, indoor activities that get everyone excited are a must.
One indoor activity that still lets you feel the spring season is eurhythmics with a rainy-day song theme.
Try songs and dances inspired by pieces like “Amefuri (Rainfall)” and “Kaeru no Gasshō (Frog Chorus).” Children can enjoy a variety of movements, such as marching energetically or pretending to be animals.
They can also experience a game with clear contrasts by stopping and starting in time with the rhythm of the piano.
Why not incorporate indoor play that combines music and movement into your childcare setting?
Glove puppet fingerplay “Little Bird’s Song”
This is a fingerplay with glove puppets themed around little birds that herald the arrival of spring.
Sew small bird figures and attach them to your fingers, then perform a song while moving each finger.
Match the rhythm of the song “Kotori no Uta” to express the birds chirping.
It’s also a great idea to add spring-themed decorations like cherry blossoms and dandelions.
This fingerplay lets you enjoy singing while also giving your fingertips a dexterity workout.
Why not make puppets modeled on small birds you see in spring—such as Japanese white-eyes, brown-eared bulbuls, or swallows—and give it a try?