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 Activities to Get Moving (31–40)

Seven Steps

Fingerplay counting song 'Seven Step' rhythm game

Seven Steps

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.

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Balloon Shiritori

[Balloon Shiritori] A series of at-home games you can play with your kids #shorts

Balloon Shiritori

It’s a game where you pass a balloon around while playing shiritori, trying not to let the balloon fall.

When the previous person says a letter and passes the balloon, the next person must add a shiritori word before touching the balloon.

It may seem easy, but sometimes you can’t think of words when you’re focused on the balloon.

This game helps develop various skills in children—not only physical ability but also recognition skills and a sense of rhythm.

When playing indoors, trying it while seated offers a different kind of fun and is recommended! Feel free to adapt it to suit the age of the children.

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Chick Sumo

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

Chick Sumo

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!

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Indoor game with pool stick rackets

[Improve Your Posture!] Play at Home with a Pool Stick Racket

Indoor game with pool stick rackets

This is a pool noodle racket game that kids and adults can enjoy! First, bend a halved pool noodle into a ring and secure it with tape.

Next, wrap plastic wrap across it in a cross pattern three times, and you’ve got a clear racket! It’s fun to play solo with a balloon, but making another racket to play with a few people sounds great too.

Raising your head and lifting your arms in a “hands up” position is said to help strengthen your back muscles.

Because it’s very light, it’s safe for toddlers to play with.

It’s recommended for both outdoor and indoor play!

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Exercise play with towels

Play in Many Ways with Towels! [Age 3] | Torikai Yūiku-en [Nursery/Kindergarten]

Exercise play with towels

With just one towel, you can incorporate a variety of movement-based play activities.

Why not give it a try when the weather is bad or when it’s too hot or cold to play outside? Simply rubbing the body as in dry brushing, or swinging it like a jump rope and stepping through it can become a full-body workout.

You can also use a towel for one-on-one tug-of-war.

It’s a valuable experience for children to learn skills like bracing themselves and shifting their weight backward.

Another plus is that you can do it anywhere as long as you have a towel and some open space.

Be sure to enjoy all kinds of active play with towels together with the children.

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