Recreation for daycare centers and kindergartens: fun activities for children
Children in daycare and kindergarten are full of curiosity and energy! Still, some teachers might struggle to come up with play ideas.
There are also days when the weather keeps you indoors.
Here, we introduce a variety of activities that children in kindergarten and daycare can enjoy! We’ve gathered fun activities—from dance, exercise, and games to crafts—that are suitable for babies through toddlers.
Active, movement-based play is a big hit, too.
Let children and adults play together and enjoy a wonderful time!
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Recreation Activities for Nursery Schools and Kindergartens: Fun Children’s Games (51–60)
Mimic Rhythm Play
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.
kotoro-kotoro (onomatopoeic; a light rattling/rolling sound)
“Kotorokotoro” is a type of tag game.
First, four children stand in a straight line, each placing their hands on the shoulders of the person in front.
The “oni” (tagger) tries to touch the child at the very back.
If the children manage to protect the last child within the time limit, the children win.
If the tagger touches the last child, or if any child’s hands come off the shoulders, the tagger wins.
Because you don’t need to run around in a large space like a park, it’s perfectly playable indoors.
It’s a recommended game for preschoolers around age 3 and up.
Balloon Whack Game
Here’s a game using balloons that kids love: the Balloon Smack Game.
It’s basically the summer watermelon-smashing game, but with a balloon instead of a watermelon.
One designated player wears a blindfold and swings a plastic bat toward the balloon.
Spectators should keep a safe distance and guide the player with their voices: “To the right!” “A little farther back!” and so on, helping them find the balloon.
It also works well as a warm-up when you’re planning to do a real watermelon-smashing activity at an overnight camp or summer festival.
Summer festival pretend play
Recommended for 4-year-olds! Here are some ideas for a pretend summer festival.
Summer festivals are often held as local events or at schools and kindergartens.
This time, let’s plan a summer festival play where 4-year-olds take the lead.
They can crumple newspaper with both hands to make candy apples and takoyaki, and use them for decorations.
There can also be stalls like a shaved ice shop using cotton and cups.
Through this pretend summer festival, children can interact across age groups and even learn about money—great ideas with lots of possibilities.
Recreation for nursery schools and kindergartens. Fun children's games (61–70)
A waterless yo-yo
https://www.tiktok.com/@niconico_mama/video/7388843831325773072Enjoy decorating it too! Here’s an idea for a no-water yo-yo.
How about making the popular water yo-yo from summer festival stalls without using any water? The bouncy, springy feel when you flick it with your hand is so fun! You’ll need balloons, washi tape, rubber bands, and stickers.
Inflate the balloon, wrap it with washi tape, then attach a rubber band—and you’re done! You can also use your favorite washi tapes or decorate with stickers to make it even more exciting!
cutout
@thi.nano154 Cutting out shapes is so fun!!!!!!!#chiina nodagashi (cheap, nostalgic Japanese snacks and candies)#vlog#StayAtHomeSquad#Japan
Classic Medley 2019 – Pianica Magician
Try your hand at a traditional pastime! Here are some ideas for katanuki (cutout art).
Katanuki is a common sight at festival stalls.
How about giving this long-loved activity a try? Use a needle, toothpick, or drawing pin to cut out various designs imprinted on a flat, board-like candy.
For children’s safety, you can also adapt the activity using construction paper or other materials.
With a bit of creativity, your customized katanuki will get kids excited and engaged.
Target practice with a candy box
Let’s make and play! Here are some ideas for a target-shooting game using candy boxes.
Target games are one of those corners that really excite kids, right? This time, let’s try making one with candy boxes.
You’ll need empty candy boxes, a stapler, rubber bands, and double-sided tape or regular tape.
It seems you can even make a rubber band gun and a festival-style headband out of empty candy boxes, so give it a try! For the targets, just line up the candy boxes and assign point values to each—easy to set up and play.