[Childcare / Physical Play] Fun Activities to Get Moving

Wolf, what time is it now?

Mr. Wolf, what time is it now?

“What’s the time, Mr.

Wolf?” is a game where players take as many steps as the number the Wolf calls out.

For example, if the Wolf says “Three o’clock,” everyone moves three steps forward.

Players gradually get closer to the Wolf, and when someone touches the Wolf, a game of tag begins.

The Wolf tags the next Wolf, and one round ends.

It’s similar to “Red Light, Green Light,” but the changing number of steps each time is part of the fun.

You can also enjoy interacting with the Wolf and practicing counting, so everyone can get excited together with a mix of thrills and anticipation.

Whoops, spinny!

Childcare Magazine Hiroba, August 2017 Issue: “It’s Time for Movement Play! — Are-re Kururin”

Are-re Kururin, where two people pair up and spin around while holding hands, is a physical game that can be played in several variations depending on how you do it.

You can add twists like ducking under each other’s arms or stepping over them while keeping your hands linked.

Try to play so that you can see your partner’s face and spin smoothly together.

Once you get used to it, you can try it with three people as well.

Make sure you have a wide, open space so children don’t bump into each other.

If the teacher pairs up with a child to demonstrate first, it helps the children visualize the movements and also prevents injuries.

Abuku-tatta

Awabuku Tatta.AVI

Abukutatta is a game that makes interacting with friends fun.

First, choose one child to be the bean and have them crouch in the middle.

The other children and the teacher join hands to form a circle and walk around the bean child while singing “Abukutatta.” You can look up the lyrics on the internet! When the circling part ends, the other children move to new spots and continue singing, adding gestures like “Go home and close the cupboard.” The bean child approaches and gives the signal with a “knock, knock, knock.” When asked, “What’s that sound?” they answer with the sound.

Saying “It’s a ghost’s sound” is the cue for a tag game to begin! Try to run away so the bean child doesn’t catch you.

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tsukada moe

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4 Exercises Parents and Children Can Enjoy Together

[Exercise & Gymnastics Kids Love] Four Parent-Child Exercises Recommended from Age 3, Part 1 / Fun rule-based movement games and exercise/gymnastics videos to boost children’s motor skills together with Mom

Here are four exercises that parents and children can enjoy together.

“Robot Walk” is where the adult kneels in seiza, the child sits on the adult’s knees, and the adult walks while staying in seiza.

“Robot Walk 2” is where the adult stands, the child stands on the tops of the adult’s feet, and they walk together.

“Ballerina” is an exercise where the child raises one hand, the adult holds that hand as a pivot, and spins the child around.

“Butt Touch” is a game where the adult and child face each other, shake right hands, and try to touch each other’s butt.

Except for “Ballerina,” the adult moves as well, so both can be active together.

Why not try these to help get some exercise?

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utatane

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karasu kazunoko

karasu kazunoko

A children’s circle song where you keep adding friends as you play! Here’s an idea from Karasu Kazunoko.

Circle songs aren’t just fun—they’re said to play an important role in fostering children’s language development and sense of rhythm.

Deepen communication by singing while playing together with teachers, parents, or friends! Children stand in a circle while one person walks around them in loops.

When the song ends, the walker taps the friend in front of them to add another member to the group.

Chick Sumo

Indoor play! Chick Sumo for toddlers and up. Try it with a big group☆ Build ankle flexibility while you play.

People from preschoolers to adults can join! Here’s an idea for “Chick Sumo.” It’s a perfect game for training ankle flexibility while playing.

While squatting, hold your ankles and move forward.

If your hands or bottom touch the floor, you lose—simple as that.

Move carefully so you don’t lose your balance.

Once you get used to it, try battling in groups of five or six in class.

A tournament format, where the last person remaining advances, also sounds fun!

Balloon roly-poly game

@soramame.sensei

Let’s make a roly-poly toy with a balloon and play a game! 😊 With friends! With family! An indoor game you can play even on rainy days ☔✨️Child Development SupportAfter-school day service#SoramameKids#StayHomeTime#Indoor PlayParent-child time#HandmadeToyschild# developmental support (ryōiku)translation

♬ A cute pop and bouncy song(1526882) – sanusagi

First, attach a weight to a balloon to make one that pops back up when knocked over.

Create a 3×3 grid on the floor with hula hoops or similar, and you win by lining up three in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally! This activity effectively improves motor skills, hand–eye balance, and sense of force control.

Kids are sure to be captivated.

It’s easy to prepare and safe to enjoy indoors, so adults can join in the fun too.

It promotes growth through play, so be sure to enjoy it together with the children!

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kepiko

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