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

Rock-Paper-Scissors Train

Buu’s Visit to the Nursery School (Rock-Paper-Scissors Train)

Even on rainy days, you can get a big group excited with this “Rock-Paper-Scissors Train.” Here are the rules: First, while the music is playing, everyone walks around freely.

When the music stops, you play rock-paper-scissors with someone nearby.

The loser lines up behind the winner and holds onto their shoulders.

Repeat this to form a long train.

The person who ends up at the front at the end is the winner.

It’s great for helping classmates bond! It’s a game kids can play from around age three, once they understand the rules of rock-paper-scissors.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Copycat contest

[Kids' Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Race (For Preschoolers to Lower Elementary)

Here’s a fun “Copycat Race” you can enjoy on the spot.

Prepare small chairs or cushions to get started.

The teacher says, “What’s the copycat race today?” and then names an animal or vehicle for the children to imitate.

The children pretend to be that animal or vehicle and go around their own chair or cushion three times.

When they finish, they sit on their chair or cushion to reach the goal.

The first person to sit down wins.

The rules are simple, so it’s a great game for all ages to get excited and play together.

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mayumi

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Copycat Animals

[Have Fun with Music] Try imitating animal movements with “Copycat Animals”

Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.

Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.

The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.

You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.

It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.

This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!

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Mimic Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors

[Kids’ Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors (Preschool to Lower Elementary)

Here’s a game called “Copycat Animal Rock-Paper-Scissors” that helps children of different ages interact and become friends.

At the cue, “Copycat animal, rock-paper-scissors—go!” everyone strikes an animal pose.

If both partners choose the same animal pose, they earn 1 point; if they choose different poses, they spin around once on the spot.

It’s recommended that teachers and children decide the set of animal poses in advance.

You may see older children teaching the animal poses to younger ones.

Come up with lots of pose variations and have fun!

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mayumi

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Mimic Rhythm Play

A handy game for meeting time: “Copycat Rhythm”

Here’s a follow-the-leader rhythm activity you can enjoy while copying movements.

As you hum the rhythm, the teacher demonstrates by clapping hands and gently tapping their own head or arms.

After watching the teacher’s example, the children play along with the rhythm by copying the movements they’ve learned.

During this time, the teacher should also move together with the children to serve as a model.

Younger children can participate within their abilities.

Older children, once they’re used to it, should try making their expressions bigger and more exaggerated.

Have fun by adjusting the tempo as you go.

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mayumi

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