[Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving

5 fun exercises for 1-year-olds to build core strength

5 fun exercises for 1-year-olds to enjoy while strengthening their core!

Move your body with lots of energy to the music! Start with simple actions like nodding to the rhythm or clapping your hands.

Once you get used to it, try showing an animal picture book and imitate animals to the beat, or copy the poses shown in the book.

There’s no need to stick to a set choreography.

As you make sure the children are moving energetically, have fun by varying the type and tempo of the music! If any child seems shy, gently stay by their side and move together with them.

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yuri

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Rolling Dodgeball

@toiro_efilagroup

Do you know “Korokoro Dodgeball”?After-school day service#toiro#Kanagawa PrefectureAndanteChildcare Worker

♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day

Let me introduce Rolling Dodgeball, a game where you roll the ball instead of throwing it.

The rules are similar to regular dodgeball, but players are split into inside and outside groups, and the ball is rolled to keep the game going.

If an inside player is hit by a ball rolled by someone on the outside, they move to the outside and join their team’s attack from there.

It can also be fun to decide the winner by counting how many players remain inside at the end.

Unlike regular dodgeball, this version uses a soft ball, so you can play safely.

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mayumi

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cushion hula hoop

You’re only allowed to walk on the cushion strips or inside the hula hoops! Here’s a unique game.

You’ll need two hula hoops, pool noodles, scissors or a utility knife, and masking tape.

Cut the pool noodles or any cushioned material and tape them to the floor—prep done.

Use two hula hoops to make your way to the goal! When you reach the cushioned course, set down a hula hoop and walk on the cushion.

Keeping your balance is trickier than it looks, so give it a try!

Touch-in game

@bear_kids_official

Group therapy: Touch-in Game. Purpose: - Develop the ability to track with the eyes. - Learn to control the strength of movements. Everyone had fun challenging themselves while cheering each other on 👏Child Development SupportAfter-school day service# developmental support (ryōiku)#Nursery school#KindergartenElementary school

♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service

Let’s develop tracking skills and a sense of force! Here are some ideas for a touch-in game.

These are perfect for nurturing visual concentration and control of force.

Children can aim to improve their physical abilities while having fun by keeping a balloon from falling and collecting colored balls from the floor into a basket.

Simple yet effective for building concentration, this idea lets kids play by controlling balloons and colored balls—making it a fun game that can be used in after-school day services!

Balloon Whack Game

[Age 3] “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.

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hiyoko sensei

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S-ken

S (Es) Ken

Territory battles while hopping on one foot! Introducing S-Ken, a game you play with one-legged hopping.

Divide the children into two teams.

Draw a large S on the ground, place treasure in each team’s territory, and surround each treasure with a half-circle.

Set up several islands around the S as safe zones, and make an out area—then it’s time to play! When attacking the other team, you must challenge them while hopping on one foot.

Battles are like hand-push sumo, and always one-on-one.

If both feet touch the ground, you’re out and must watch the outcome from the out area.

Who will snatch the other team’s treasure first? It’s sure to get exciting!

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

The “Ninja Game,” which children can enjoy from age four, is a simple game where they must freeze whenever the teacher turns around and says, “Who’s there?” The children sneak behind the teacher, imitating ninjas.

When the teacher gives the cue “Who’s there?” and turns around, the kids stop and hide their presence.

In the “Shuriken Game,” if a shuriken is thrown at the head they crouch, and if it’s thrown at the feet they jump—letting them enjoy a variety of movements.

It’s fun even with a small group, so it’s great for morning care or after the late afternoon as well.