[Childcare] From small to large groups! A collection of fun game ideas
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!
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[Childcare] From small to large groups! A special collection of fun game ideas (111–120)
Paper airplane throwing
Here’s a paper-airplane throwing game that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
Let’s fold paper airplanes using origami paper or flyers.
The size of the paper you fold with also matters.
One of the fun aspects of a paper-airplane contest is that the flight distance changes depending on how you fold and throw it! If your distance plateaus, you might discover ways to improve by trying again and again.
Try various paper-airplane games such as a high-score challenge, cup-knockdown challenge, dog-run catch, and pair catch!
Picture shiritori
Let me introduce a drawing shiritori game that gets everyone excited while you draw.
The drawing shiritori game can be enjoyed by two or more people.
First, decide on a theme for the first drawing in turn.
The first person draws a picture on paper based on the theme.
The next person looks at the previous person’s drawing and draws a picture that starts with the last letter of the previous drawing’s word.
Take turns and keep going.
It gets even more fun if you set final rules in advance, such as what happens if a word ends with “n” (which would normally end the game) or if someone can’t draw on their turn.
Have fun and give it a try!
The ‘It fell, it fell’ game
Let me introduce a quick-reaction game called “It Fell, It Fell.” The teacher says, “It fell, it fell,” and the children ask, “What fell?” The teacher names what fell.
For example, if the teacher says “an apple,” the children should pose as if they’re catching an apple.
If the teacher says “a fist,” the children should protect their heads with their hands so they don’t get bonked.
If it’s “thunder,” they should hide their belly button with their hands.
It might be more fun if you teach the poses to the children beforehand and then start the game so they can join in easily.
Once they get used to it, it’s also recommended to have fun by changing up what “falls.”
Bug-catching game
Here’s a bug-catching game you play with a butterfly net.
The rules are very simple: cut origami paper into small pieces to make confetti, put it in a bowl, and get ready.
The person dropping the confetti stands on a raised platform and sprinkles the paper down.
The child below holds a butterfly net and tries to catch the confetti with the net.
It’s a fun game where you watch the confetti fall from above and move the hand-held net to catch it inside.
Try it in a spacious area and be sure to play safely!
Insect Evolution Quiz
Let’s think about what kind of insect it will grow into! Here are some ideas for an Insect Evolution Quiz.
It’s a fun quiz you can enjoy while learning about the mysterious growth process of insects.
By thinking about what kind of insect a larva will turn into, it can spark interest in the mechanisms of nature and the changes of life.
When colorful insects and cute illustrated bugs appear, children’s curiosity will grow, and they’ll deepen their knowledge about insects while enjoying the quiz! As they predict the answers, they’ll feel closer to the world of insects.