[Elementary School] Indoor Games and Recreational Activities Recommended for Upper Primary Grades

Rhythm 4 Game

From Rhythm 4 “The Newest and Most Fun Recreation Games”

This is a game where you respond in time with a rhythm called “Rhythm 4.” It originally started as an original game on a TV show, but it became popular and spread.

You clap to a four-beat rhythm, point to someone, and say a number from 1 to 4.

The person who’s called says their nickname the specified number of times, in rhythm, and then passes it on to the next person.

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utatane

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Indian poker

[Mind Games] Who Do You Trust? Deciding the Weakest King in Indian Poker

Indian poker is a game where you bet while guessing whether the value of the card you can’t see—the one on your own forehead—beats your opponent’s card or not.

First, draw one card from the prepared deck and place it against your forehead like an Indian feather so that you can’t see your own number.

You can see your opponent’s number, so if you think your card is higher, you bet; if you’re not confident, you can fold.

The more players there are, the stronger the psychological element becomes, so if you have a deck of cards at hand, it’s a game you should definitely try.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Let’s have fun with bouncing balloons!

Just add a small twist to a balloon and it becomes fun! Here’s an idea to enjoy a bouncing balloon.

One of the charms of balloons is how they drift on the wind and float down slowly even when tossed high.

This time, let’s add a simple tweak to make a balloon that bounces with a pop-pop and play with it.

All you need is a balloon, vinyl tape, and scissors.

Once you inflate the balloon, wrap vinyl tape around the knot in a spiral—and you’re done! You might even be able to use the bouncy balloon for activities like volleyball, basketball, or other recreational games.

Cup Ball Relay

You only need two items to prepare! Here’s an idea for a Cup-and-Ball Relay.

The movements are simple, but it’s surprisingly tricky—exactly why it gets exciting.

Give the Cup-and-Ball Relay a try! You’ll need paper cups and colored balls.

It’s helpful to increase or decrease the number of paper cups based on how the children are doing.

You use one colored ball per lane, but if you plan to add more lanes, having about five on hand will give you peace of mind.

The rule is simple: place the colored ball on top of a lined-up paper cup and move it along, cup by cup.

Definitely give it a try!

Shooting Catch

Play with scrap materials and colorful balls! Here’s a fun idea for a shooting-and-catch game.

Many schools are probably engaged in SDGs initiatives and recycling activities.

Try creating an opportunity to deepen learning while playing with children using repurposed materials.

You’ll need toilet paper rolls, colorful balls, and a tray.

Stand the toilet paper rolls upright and place a colorful ball on top of each one.

Then slide the tray along the floor to knock over the rolls and catch the balls on the tray—it’s a fun and exciting game!

Tissue Catch

Have fun in pairs! Here are some ideas for a Tissue Catch game.

As the name suggests, it’s a game where you catch a tissue.

Catching a tissue as it gently floats downward is surprisingly tricky.

One person drops a tissue from a high position, and the other tries to catch it.

Once you get the hang of it, you can make it more challenging—and exciting—by using tools like tongs or chopsticks.

Give it a try!

Plastic bottle balancing game

Here’s an idea for a plastic-bottle balance game that’s perfect for small-group icebreakers! On party days or recreation days, kids tend to be extra excited, right? This game is great to use at those times.

You’ll need a large plastic bottle, a utility knife, vinyl tape, and about 20 plastic bottle caps.

Cut off the top portion of the large bottle and wrap the cut edge with vinyl tape—that’s all the prep! Players take turns dropping bottle caps into the bottle; the person who knocks the bottle over loses.

It’s a simple game that also lets you see different aspects of the kids’ personalities, making it extra fun.