![[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W2TRE913xMM/hqdefault.jpg)
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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- Indoor games and recreational activities recommended for daycare and kindergarten
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- [Childcare] Fun Spring Activities: Ideas for Nature, Movement, and Crafts
[Childcare] May Activities: Spring Outdoor & Indoor Play (1–10)
Churippu sharippuchildren’s song
In spring, many children start a new life in a new environment.
If you’re looking for fun activities to enjoy while getting to know the friends and teachers you’ll be spending the next year with, this is a must-see.
This traditional children’s song game, “Tulip Sharip,” helps kids learn the names of their friends and teachers through play.
There are various ways to play: the child whose name is called can sit in the middle of the circle, walk around, and more.
Try incorporating it in a way that suits the children’s ages.
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!
Soap bubble play
Wrapped in the warm, pleasant weather and with more days at comfortable temperatures, spring makes you want to head outdoors and play to your heart’s content with the kids, doesn’t it? How about incorporating bubble play into those outdoor activities? Fill a basin with plenty of bubble solution and use things like fans or hangers to enjoy making big, dynamic bubbles.
In the spring sunlight, the bubbles will likely sparkle and shine.
I can just picture the children happily running around with the bubbles.
Give it a try for some inspiration!
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.
A Little Stroll
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.
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.