[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Upper Primary Grades
There are lots of elementary school children who love the internet and online games, right?
Of course, they can build relationships and develop various skills through them, but many parents and educators probably feel, “I’d like them to play something other than games a bit more.”
Kids can learn a lot from new experiences, so we hope they’ll try a variety of activities.
In this article, we’ll introduce fun games and recreational activities suited for upper elementary grades!
All of them can be played indoors, so they’re perfect for days when you can’t go outside!
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[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreation Activities Recommended for Middle Grades (91–100)
Finding the good points
As you play repeatedly, you’ll naturally start to find them! Here are some ideas for discovering good qualities.
When someone tells you your strengths, it feels incredibly uplifting, doesn’t it? Plus, when you share your friends’ good points, it makes them happy and feels great for you too! It’s a wonderful idea that boosts self-esteem, so I highly recommend it.
When writing down good qualities, it can help to specify things like how the person might be in the future or a specific episode that made you happy.
Feel free to adapt and incorporate these ideas in your own way.
Rhythm 4
This is a game that tests your ability to listen to instructions and make decisions by calling out your own name in time with a 4-beat rhythm.
You advance through the four counts using actions like tapping the desk or clapping, so the overlap of sound and movement adds to the fun.
You need to listen carefully to which person the previous player called and on which number, then decide and act accordingly.
By adding variations—such as changing the actions for each number or introducing instructions that aren’t just names and numbers—you can enjoy the game at a higher difficulty level, which is recommended for those who’ve gotten the hang of it.
Teleportation Game
It’s a game that tests each player’s quick reflexes as they swiftly move to the next spot to keep a newspaper stick from falling.
You stand the stick up, move to the adjacent stick, grab it before it falls to support it, and anyone who lets a stick fall is eliminated.
The difficulty of supporting the stick changes depending on the moving distance and how the sticks are set up, so by adjusting those factors, a wider range of ages can enjoy the game.
It could also be exciting to try a challenge mode where players test their limits to see how far they can go without letting the stick fall.
Paper Cup Relay
It’s a game where you pull out the bottom paper cup so it drops without toppling the stacked cups, then pass it on to the next person.
You have to judge how to move it to avoid knocking the cups over, which really tests each person’s control of strength and speed.
The relay format—passing it to the next person—is also key, because the pressure of someone waiting makes control even harder.
Precisely because it’s a simple action of pulling the cup out to the left or right, it’s a game that people of all ages can enjoy together.
Colorful Ninja
A color-and-category ninja game that tests quick thinking and a sense of rhythm.
The first player says “Shu-shu!” while miming a shuriken throw and names a color and a category, like “red foods.” The chosen player must, in rhythm, answer with something that fits, such as “apple.” If correct, they mime throwing a shuriken to the next person and present a new prompt.
Anyone who can’t answer is out, and the last person remaining wins.
Using not only colors but also ideas like “blue characters” adds variety and makes it more exciting.
Keeping a steady rhythm increases the pace and the thrill.
With simple rules that make it easy for the whole class to join, it’s a fun game that works across grade levels.
Air-reading game
Let’s read the room so we don’t overlap with our friends! Here’s an idea for a “reading the room” game.
It’s a unique game that helps elementary school students develop the ability to act while watching the timing and what’s happening around them.
In a group of 4–5 players sitting in a circle, you take turns standing up while calling out numbers.
The rule is simple, but what matters is avoiding overlapping timing with your friends.
Through the game, kids can build awareness of others and quick decision-making skills.
The atmosphere is tense at the start, but when two people stand up at the same time, everyone can’t help bursting into laughter!
triathlon
Let’s clear the challenges set at each station and aim for the finish! Here’s a triathlon-inspired idea.
A triathlon is a race where you swim, cycle, and run in sequence to reach the goal, right? This time, let’s try playing a game where you aim for the finish by overcoming a series of continuous challenges, just like a triathlon.
In the video, it looks like pairs are cooperating and playing together.
How about incorporating this into your activities with some adaptations?
Group boat race
@hiyoko_sakuranbo You can start tomorrow! Group rhythm “Boat Race” “Solo boat” and “Two-person boat” are fun, but doing it as a group of 7 or 8 is even more fun! If you include it at the end of a requested staff training, the teachers’ smiles burst forth, and you can finish the session in a joyful atmosphere. It’s the same with children. If you end with a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy together, you’re sure to see the biggest smiles. ✨ Give it a try in tomorrow’s childcare! **************** “Saito Kimiko’s Cherry Rhythm Play” is a scientifically grounded method that promotes children’s development through play. We share rhythm activities that can be implemented immediately in educational settings through workshops and at preschools nationwide. **************** Mayumi Murata | Cherry Rhythm Play ▶ Book text composition for “DVD Book Complete Visual Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Childcare” ▶ Planning and editing for “Illustrated Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Sakura·Sakuranbo Rhythm Play” Thank you for your likes and follows!#Cherry Rhythm PlaySakura Sakura-nbo Rhythm#Rhythm PlayRhythm PlayHiroko SaitoNursery teacher / Childcare workerKindergarten TeacherGroup boat race
♪ Original Song – hiyoko_sakuranbo – hiyoko_sakuranbo
Perfect for class recreation or grade-level activities! Here are ideas for a group boat race.
You know how rowing is an Olympic sport, right? This time, we’re sharing ideas for a boat race played in groups.
In the video, teams of seven sit in a row and inch forward toward the goal by pushing with their heels.
It’s not just the person in front who does the work—when everyone on the team synchronizes their timing, you can make big progress! It’s also a good idea to use a chant like “1, 2, 1, 2” or “Ready, go!”
Tag Rugby Game
Recommended for elementary school students too! Here are some ideas for tag rugby games.
Tag rugby is a sport based on rugby where, instead of tackling the opponent, the game progresses by removing tags attached to the players’ waists.
For example, one of the five play ideas shown in the video is a game where you set up three cones and run laps around them while trying to take your opponent’s tag.
Give them a try and see how they work for you!
Indoor basketball hoop craft
Let’s play with a handmade basketball set! Here are some ideas for crafting an indoor basketball hoop.
After watching Olympic basketball, many kids probably started admiring the players, right? This time, let’s try making an indoor basketball game you can build and play with.
You’ll need two hangers, yarn, cardboard, scissors, and more.
It’s great because the steps are simple.
This is also a recommended idea for when you want to get moving indoors!