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 move the body (41–50)

Banana-kun Exercise

Banana-kun Exercise (Lyrics and Music by Toshihiko Shinzawa) [from Toshihiko Shinzawa’s “Dance! Sports Day”]

Banana-kun Exercise

A gymnastics number created by Toshihiko Shinzawa—an author of picture books and a singer-songwriter who continues to craft songs loved by children and adults alike, such as “Niji.” Set to a light, Latin-style rhythm, this simple piece uses the familiar theme of “bananas,” making it easy for young children to enjoy.

Watching the official video featuring Shinzawa himself, you can feel the message that it’s okay to dance freely.

We hope children will move openly and energetically, experiencing the joy that moving your body is “fun!”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Gymnastics ‘Yo-kai Exercise No. 1’

Yo-kai Watch: Yokai Exercise No. 1

Gymnastics 'Yo-kai Exercise No. 1'

The game Yo-kai Watch, released in 2013, quickly became a hit among children at the time and was even adapted into an anime that became extremely popular.

The song Yo-kai Exercise No.

1 was the first ending theme of that anime.

The exercise routine, in which characters from the game and anime perform unique dances to the music, uses the whole body and can be thoroughly enjoyed as a physical activity.

It’s a routine that people of all ages can enjoy.

Teachers, join in and get moving with the kids to make it even more fun!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Jungle Guruguru

@omiyamichinoko
The parent-child dance at the sports day is Jungle Guruguru! It’s a jungle adventure for parents and kids! “Hai! Hai! Hai-hai-hai!” It’s going to be a blast.Sports Day Nursery school sports day #Omiya Michinoko Nursery School Parent-child dance #Jungle Guruguru #JungleExploration Nursery teacher / Childcare workerNursery school teacher @ Tsubasa SuzukiTsubasa Suzuki
♬ Jungle Guru Guru – Tsubasa Suzuki

“Jungle Guruguru” is a dance idea for parents and kids! Stand side by side and have fun doing the same choreography together.

It’s simple yet super cute—shaking your hips, stepping in place while clapping your hands, and more.

You’ll also hold hands and jump together, which will make for some lovely, smile-filled photos.

Enjoy it as if you’re adventuring through a jungle.

If you prepare adventure-appropriate outfits for the kids, it might boost their motivation too.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Copycat contest

[Kids' Exercise You Can Do at Home] Copycat Race (For Preschoolers to Lower Elementary)

Copycat contest

Here’s a fun “Copycat Race” you can enjoy on the spot.

Prepare small chairs or cushions to get started.

The teacher says, “What’s the copycat race today?” and then names an animal or vehicle for the children to imitate.

The children pretend to be that animal or vehicle and go around their own chair or cushion three times.

When they finish, they sit on their chair or cushion to reach the goal.

The first person to sit down wins.

The rules are simple, so it’s a great game for all ages to get excited and play together.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Copycat Animals

[Have Fun with Music] Try imitating animal movements with “Copycat Animals”

Copycat Animals

Here’s a copycat animal game that kids of different ages can enjoy while moving their bodies.

Along with a piano melody, the teacher says the name of an animal and imitates it.

The children enjoy moving like the animal in their own way, at a level that suits their age.

You might even see the younger children copying the movements of the older ones.

It could also be fun to ask the children what animals they can think of as you go along.

This copycat animal play is a great way to get kids moving indoors—give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem