RAG MusicSchool Festival
Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

[For Elementary Schools] Recommended Exhibits and Recreational Activities for a Cultural Festival

One of the events elementary school students look forward to is the cultural festival.

Sometimes it’s held under a unique name like “Friendship Festival” or includes the school’s name as in “◯◯ Showcase.”

This article is perfect for an elementary school cultural festival!

It introduces activities and recreations that the whole class can enjoy together.

You’ll find a variety of ideas—from performances you can do in the classroom to recreations suited for larger spaces like the gym or school grounds.

If you’re having trouble deciding on an idea, feel free to use these as a reference.

[For Elementary Schools] Recommended Booths and Recreational Activities for Cultural Festivals (21–30)

Double Dutch with two ropes

Double Dutch, which uses two ropes, has a different kind of dynamism from regular jump rope and really gets everyone excited! The turners swing each rope from the left and right, and the jumper goes in between, jumps, exits, and can even add tricks.

When entering, keep the rhythm as if you’re reaching to catch the rope, and step into the center between the ropes.

Jump lightly, just like with regular long-rope jumping.

When exiting, if you’ve jumped an odd number of times, exit diagonally opposite from where you entered; if you’ve jumped an even number of times, exit on the same side you entered.

Practice well while being careful not to get injured, and show off your skills!

Paprika with body percussion

[Body Percussion] For the school learning presentation: Clap, stomp, and jump to the rhythm of “Paprika.” Chest, thighs—let’s try it! Rhythm learning for elementary and middle school; percussion — Akiko Yamamoto
Paprika with body percussion

Let me introduce a performance you can do with nothing but your body: body percussion.

Body percussion is a performance where you treat your body like an instrument and keep rhythms to music.

Clap your hands, tap your abdomen, stomp your feet—there’s no set rule for how to create the rhythms, so try coming up with an expression that feels like you.

If you perform it to a popular song, everyone can enjoy it together, making it perfect for a thank-you party.

Performed by a large group, it creates a sense of unity and impact.

If you have the time, consider putting extra thought into vocals, choreography, and formations as well.

Oshi activities coordinator

At a Kamisato elementary school, a 'oshi-katsu committee' is part of the class duties
Oshi activities coordinator

The “Oshi-katsu Crew,” which energizes the class, is an activity where students express their favorite things or idols in their own way.

That passionate love can draw in others, enliven the class, and create a positive atmosphere.

It not only helps you bond with friends who share the same favorites, but also becomes a chance to connect with those who have different “oshis,” making conversations more lively.

By turning your love for your favorites into forms like illustrations, you also nurture creativity.

The Oshi-katsu Crew is a fun role where you discover what’s enjoyable yourselves and share it with everyone around you.

portable Shinto shrine (omikoshi)

Scene of making a paper portable shrine
portable Shinto shrine (omikoshi)

A school festival is basically a celebration, right? So how about preparing a mikoshi, which is a staple of festivals? If everyone makes the mikoshi together, you’ll grow attached to it and get more enthusiastic.

You could also have multiple classes each make their own mikoshi and show off their unique designs.

And the best part of a mikoshi is carrying it together.

If possible, I’d love for everyone to chant and get lively.

By the way, there are simple mikoshi kits available for purchase online.

Target shooting

[Craft Fair Booth] Let's make a shooting game and play! Easy craft—festival vibes!
Target shooting

How about setting up a target-shooting game that makes aiming fun? To do target shooting, you’ll need a shooter and targets.

For the shooter, try making one that can fire rubber bands or plastic bottle caps.

There are various types, like rapid-fire versions, so it could be fun to offer a variety.

As for the targets, try making them out of paper or cardboard.

A mechanism that knocks them down when hit would likely get everyone excited.

You could also add elements that boost the game’s appeal, such as bonuses and special scoring.

Kendama performance

Kendama elementary school students & teacher
Kendama performance

A kendama performance that unleashes a variety of tricks in sync with music.

It’s more challenging than simply performing kendama tricks, making it perfect for upper-grade elementary students who, over their long years in school, have learned to do many things.

Of course, kendama skills are essential, but it’s also important to decide which parts of the music each trick will match.

If there are formation changes, you also need to plan where to move and what to do with the kendama at that moment.

Kids who are good at kendama, kids who excel with music and dance—work together to create a single stage performance.

How to make a wooden medal game

[With blueprints] Learn how to build a DIY medal game in more detail than anywhere else!!
How to make a wooden medal game

We’ll show you how to make a wooden medal game that has a warm, handmade feel.

Prepare wood, a motor, casters, adhesive, and screws, then get started.

When using a saw for cutting, firmly secure the board with your foot while you cut.

It’s important to wear shoes during cutting to help prevent injury.

After processing the parts, assemble everything at the end.

Use screws and adhesive for assembly.

The key is to check the positioning and movement as you put it together.

Give it a try!