Lovely childcare

[Childcare] From small to large groups! A collection of fun game ideas

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

Kids who love to play! Their innocent, adorable excitement as they find something fun every day is a joy to see.

Through lots of play and a variety of experiences, we hope they grow freely in both mind and body.

In this article, we’ll share plenty of fun game ideas for childcare settings.

It’s packed with activities you can enjoy at preschools or at home! Choose games that suit children’s ages and developmental stages, or adjust the rules to match their interests, and they’ll have even more fun.

Enjoy a wonderful time together!

[Childcare] From Small to Large Groups! A Collection of Fun Game Ideas (41–50)

ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

All Sorts of Ball Toss Games! [Ages 3–5] | Torikai Yuiku-en [Nursery/Kindergarten]

ball toss (traditional Japanese beanbag/ball-throwing game)

Tamaire, a classic field day event, is fun for everyone—players get absorbed in throwing, and spectators get excited, especially when it’s a close match.

When you can play outside, use a tall, freestanding basket for tamaire and enjoy throwing to your heart’s content.

For indoor play, you can add more targets with something like shopping baskets, or tweak the rules to make it easier.

Our recommendation is “chase-and-throw tamaire,” where one person wears a basket on their back and runs away while others try to throw balls into the moving basket.

This is great for children around 4–5 years old who understand the rules and can move their bodies well.

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Reaction Game

Even toddlers can do it! Here’s a reaction game (recreation game) using markers.

Reaction Game

Let’s play with color markers! Here’s a reaction game idea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get kids moving and playing together.

Arrange colorful markers in a circle and place a marker or token in the center—then you’re ready to go.

When the teacher gives the signal, participants circle around the center.

You can make it more fun by adding variations, like switching direction when the teacher claps.

It’s a simple game where players try to find the marker that matches the color of the one the teacher raises along with the signal.

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The Little Bird’s Move

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Enjoy] “Little Bird Moving House” Recommended from Age 3 / Rule-based movement games and exercise/gymnastics educational videos from ‘Okaasan to Issho’ to improve motor skills

The Little Bird’s Move

Let me introduce “Kotori no Hikkoshi” (Little Birds Moving House), a game that even very young children, from preschool age, can enjoy.

Children sit with their backs against a wall (or similar) and their knees up.

They become little birds, and when the leader says “Time to move!” they do a bottom-scoot to the opposite side—still seated—trying to escape without being caught by the “it” player.

The “it” player gradually changes their movements, transforming into stronger and stronger animals, making their motions bigger.

This builds excitement and suspense for the children as the game goes on.

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Balloon Play

Balloon Play for 4-Year-Olds

Balloon Play

Balloons floating softly in the air are very safe, so kids can play with them with peace of mind.

Here are some indoor games using balloons.

The “keep it off the floor” game naturally encourages kids to cooperate, calling out to each other to keep the balloon from touching the floor and getting excited together.

In the balloon passing game, form groups of about six and split into teams.

Enjoy sending the balloon from front to back, or passing it under the knees.

The team that can pass the balloon the fastest wins.

You can also stick a strip of plastic tape across the middle of the room and enjoy balloon volleyball or soccer.

Please choose and enjoy games suited to the children’s ages.

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Inside-Outside Game

@kyojifukushikai_staff
Inside-Outside Game! Train your judgment and concentration!Exercise Play Childcare #Nursery school Nursery teacher / Childcare worker child
♬ familie – Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Listen carefully to the instructions and get moving! Here are some ideas for Inside-Outside games.

The great thing is that people of all ages, from kids to adults, can enjoy them! It’s unique and fun to have children move around while following instructions.

Since you can play both indoors and outdoors, the weather won’t get in the way.

These games help develop reflexes, concentration, and teamwork while you play! The rules are simple and easy to understand, so take this opportunity to give them a try.

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