Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children

The ‘It fell, it fell’ game

[Nursery/Kindergarten] The “It Fell, It Fell” Game [How to Play, Target Age, Variations]

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.”

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mayumi

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Ball fishing

@yuka_asobi28

Let’s have fun strengthening your core and improve how easily you get tired! 🤭🌟# developmental support (ryōiku)#AtHomePlay#Indoor PlayPhysical play (exercise)2 years oldCore training

♬ familie – Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Here’s a ball-fishing game that helps build both concentration and body awareness.

Wrap transparent tape around the tip of a pool noodle with the sticky side facing outward.

Use the sticky tip to pick up scattered colored balls one by one.

It can be fun to set a time limit and see who can collect the most balls the fastest.

If the pool noodle is too long, cut it to match the child’s height to make it easier to use.

Give it a try!

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mayumi

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big-game hunting

[You can also see childcare in action] Ms. Rio’s active play [Big Game Hunting]

Get the fun going! Here are some ideas for the game “Mōjūgari” (Wild Beast Hunt).

It’s a great way to explore number concepts while playing, so we highly recommend it! The call-and-response is done by having children repeat the teacher’s or caregiver’s lines, so keeping it simple and easy to understand is key.

Rules: The teacher or caregiver tells the children the name of an animal.

The children then form groups and sit down in numbers that match the number of letters in the animal’s name specified by the teacher or caregiver.

Start with animals that have fewer letters, and once they get used to it, switch to animals with more letters so they won’t get bored.

Ninja Play

[Exercise & Gymnastics for Kids] Recommended Rule-Based Game for 4- and 5-Year-Olds: 'Ninja Play' / Rule-based active games, exercises, and gymnastics educational videos to improve motor skills together with Mom

“Ninja Play” is a simple movement game where children become ninjas with the teacher, sneaking on tiptoe and striking poses as if throwing shuriken in different directions.

Kids love ninjas, so it’s a highly recommended game.

By making the rules more complex according to age, you can tailor the fun to different developmental levels.

It’s a game that can be played both indoors and outdoors.

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sasashina

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Newspaper Game

@soramame.sensei

#SoramameKids#SoramameKids#Therapy Time# developmental support (ryōiku)#HandmadeToys#Indoor Play#KagoshimaRehabilitation#StayHomeTimeLet's play at home#IndoorPlayCorenewspaper (newsprint)Newspaper#Nursery school　child

♬ March-style BGM ideal for athletic meet march – harryfaoki

You only need two things to prepare! Here’s an idea for a newspaper sheet game.

It’s also a great option when you have to switch activities indoors due to sudden bad weather.

With just newspaper and tape, you can start playing right away! Set up a long chain of connected newspaper sheets under a chair.

While sitting on the chair, move both feet left and right to store the newspaper under the chair.

The key is to use the entire sole of your feet, which also makes it perfect for strengthening your core.

Say the same thing, do the opposite game

@soramame.sensei

Hello! This is Kotoba no Kyoushitsu Soramame Kids 🎵 Today we’re introducing a game with endless ways to play: “Say the Same, Do the Opposite”! 😆💛 The rules are simple! Just like the name says: say the same thing, but do the opposite! 🤣🤣 If you change the rules, the ways to play are infinite∞‼ Try switching it to “Say the Opposite, Do the Same 🎵,” do team battles, individual matches… and more! If you have other ideas like “We tried it this way!”, please share in the comments 😍 Watch till the end of the video to see the goals of the activity 🎵 If you think, “I want to try this♡,” please like, comment, and save! Thanks so much 🥰 Check out our other posts here ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ @soramame.senseiKotoba no Kyoushitsu Soramame KidsSoramame Kids Child Development Support Service, After-school Day Service, Kagoshima Therapy, Kagoshima Child Development/After-school Day, Recreation, Indoor Play, Childcare, Education, Nursery Teacher/Early Childhood EducatorTeacher

♪ Original Song – Kotoba no Kyōshitsu Sora Mame Kids – Teacher Sora Mame

It’s simple but tricky—that’s what makes it fun! Here’s an idea for a game where what you say and what you do are opposites.

A teacher or guardian plays the role of the caller, giving directions like forward, backward, left, and right.

The children imitate what the caller says, but perform the opposite movement.

It’s a unique game! At first, it’s best to go slowly and carefully.

Once everyone gets used to it, try speeding up the tempo or adapting it into a three-person team match to make it more exciting.

Seven Steps

Fingerplay counting song 'Seven Step' rhythm game

Let’s have fun with a counting song fingerplay! Here are some ideas for Seven Steps.

This activity is a rhythm game that nurtures concentration by counting while moving the body.

Some children may find it a bit difficult until they get used to the rules, but sharing the sense of accomplishment with friends when they succeed will deepen their bonds.

If they make mistakes, don’t get discouraged—keep the atmosphere light and try again! This can help foster children’s perseverance and a mindset that doesn’t give up.