Lovely childcare

[Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Physical activity play is essential in early childhood education, isn’t it?

Here, we introduce ideas for outdoor play and activities you can do indoors.

Use these examples to incorporate a variety of movement games and help children grow strong in both mind and body.

Many of the activities don’t require special equipment, so you can feel at ease even without preparation.

When adults join in the fun, everyone can enjoy a great time together.

Create joyful moments filled with laughter.

Let both children and adults move their bodies a lot and play with energy!

[Childcare & Physical Play] Fun Body-Moving Activities (91–100)

Hula hoop relay

[Challenge Video] Passing the Hula Hoop

Hula hoop relay

Let’s move a hula hoop without holding it with our hands! Here’s an idea for a hula-hoop relay.

All you need is a large hula hoop.

First, hang the hula hoop on one person’s right wrist, then have them hold hands with another person.

Without grabbing the hula hoop, can you move it along to the other person’s left wrist while keeping your hands joined? Once you get used to it, try sending the hula hoop back and forth, or increase the number of participants to make the game more challenging.

It’s a fun way to enjoy cooperating with friends while following the rules.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda

[Age 3] Daruma-san ga koronda♪

Hoop Daruma-san ga Koronda

More ways to play! Here are some ideas for playing “Red Light, Green Light” using hula hoops.

You’ll need two balance beams, a hula hoop, a ball, and flat markers.

“Red Light, Green Light” is a game that’s been loved for generations.

Since the rules are easy to understand, many preschools and childcare centers likely include it in their activities.

Using hula hoops, balls, and balance beams expands the possibilities, so it’s highly recommended.

Once children are comfortable with the basic rules, give these variations a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hoop Music Play

Eurhythmics Video for Children 15: “Let’s Play with Hoops!” — Song Home Lesson Movie

Hoop Music Play

Let me share some ideas for playing with music using hula hoops.

All you need is a piano and large hula hoops.

Eurhythmics nurtures children’s interest in music and their abilities by moving the body to music and playing with rhythm.

While it’s possible to do these activities without any props, why not try eurhythmics ideas that use hula hoops? By moving the hula hoops to the music or along the scale, children can enjoy the fun of expressing themselves with their bodies.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Plastic Bottle Bowling

[Ages 1–2] First-Time Plastic Bottle Bowling!!

Plastic Bottle Bowling

Let us introduce PET bottle bowling, an easy game to enjoy at parties and more.

Line up plastic bottles like bowling pins, then throw a ball and try to knock them down.

Compete by seeing how many bottles you can topple.

It’s a good idea to adjust the weight of the ball according to the players’ ages.

You can also put a little water in the bottles for added challenge and excitement.

Writing point values on the bottles and competing for scores, or playing in teams, can make it even more fun!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Rhythm Play

Rhythm Play

Rhythm Play

A rhythm game where you move your body in time with music and instrument playing.

The great thing is you can tailor it to the space and number of participants—from simple, on-the-spot movements of hands and feet that anyone can do right away, to whole-body movements in place, or even walking around.

Match your stride and walking speed to the rhythm as the piano speeds up and slows down, and add upper-body motions like “Let’s make big circles with our arms!” or “Let’s clap our hands!” You can also choose familiar children’s songs that the kids already know.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem