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

oshikura manju (a children’s pushing game)

oshikura manju

Oshikura manju: a game where you press against each other back-to-back! Mark off a play area by putting tape on the floor, have the children step inside, and press each other to the rhythm of the song “Oshikura manju, don’t cry when you’re pushed.” Because a strong push can send someone forward and cause them to fall, it’s best to play in a safe place like on a mat.

Also, using hands can be dangerous, so tell them in advance something like, “Keep your hands clasped in front of you.” Playing oshikura manju in the cold season lets everyone huddle together and feel warm, too!

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yuri

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It fell, it fell.

Kasama Tomobe Tomobe Kindergarten Parenting Information: “Hand Play & Song Play Vol. 26 – Ochita Ochita (It Fell, It Fell)”

Ochita Ochita, a classic singing game, helps children develop a sense of rhythm and quick decision-making by moving their bodies to the song.

The action changes depending on what “fell” after the line, “Ochita, ochita—what fell?” For example, if it’s “genkotsu” (a fist), you hold your head; if it’s “kaminari” (thunder), you cover your belly button; if it’s “ringo” (an apple), you shape your hands as if catching an apple.

You don’t need any special materials—just learn the simple choreography and song—so it’s a game even younger children can enjoy!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Thunder Game

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Enjoy] The “Thunder Game” recommended from age 3 / Rule-based movement games and exercise-gymnastics educational videos to improve motor skills together with mom

Speaking of thunder, you know how they say, “Hide your belly button or the thunder god will take it!”? This thunder game is about protecting your belly button from the thunder.

Children lie on their backs on the floor and cover their belly buttons with their hands so the thunder won’t take them.

An adult plays the role of the thunder, wandering around the children while saying “Goro goro goro…” (rumbling thunder).

When the thunder shouts “Dokaaan!” (boom!), it means the thunder has struck, so everyone looks down and hides their belly buttons.

Try throwing in feints using words that start with “do” to trick them.

It’s a game everyone can play, starting from the youngest preschoolers.

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utatane

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freeze tag

[For Childcare Workers] Arrange Ice Oni [Teacher Rio’s Active Play That Excites Kids]

Many of us probably played with friends in the park when we were children.

Freeze tag is a game that helps kids develop a sense of fairness while having fun.

Unlike regular tag, players who are caught must freeze on the spot and can’t move.

A frozen player can start moving again if a teammate tags them.

This version of tag nurtures the ability to stay aware of the surroundings—where the tagger is and how teammates are moving.

Because the rules are a bit more complex, it’s recommended for children aged five and up.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Fish fishing game

A fishing game that can be easily made with empty containers and the like

This is a fish-catching game that lets you enjoy the atmosphere of a festival.

Make the fish by wrapping vinyl tape around small plastic containers, such as mini juice bottles, and attach tails and fins using cellophane or string.

For the fishing rod, tie a string to the end of a pair of chopsticks, and fasten a bent chenille stem (pipe cleaner) to the other end to make a hook.

Try to catch the fish by skillfully hooking them.

It could be fun to vary the sizes of the fish, too.

It’s an activity that children from younger to older kindergarten ages can enjoy.

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utatane

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