RAG MusicPlay & Recreation
Lovely Play & Recreation

Play ideas kids can enjoy from 1st to 6th grade [indoors & outdoors]

Looking for games everyone from first to sixth grade can enjoy together? In response to those requests, here are activities that bring excitement across grade levels.

From escape-room style games where teammates work together to solve puzzles, to chase games where everyone holds hands to flee from the tagger—there are plenty of options you can enjoy in the classroom or the gym! Build teamwork and share lots of smiles.

From active, movement-based games to brain teasers, you’ll find a wide variety of activities that support children’s growth.

Indoor activities that are easy to do (41–50)

Clap-Clap Game

@mimasakadaigaku

A clapping game you can use for class activities! It’s super easy, so give it a try!#Mimasaka University#Pachi-Pachi GameClass party/activity

♬ Pretty and fun Marimba song – Azuline

Here are six quick games you can enjoy in short spare moments: “Pat-and-Rub,” where your left and right hands do different movements; the “Rock-Paper-Scissors Game,” where the right hand always has to win; and the “Command Game,” in which you move according to a leader’s instructions, among others.

All of these can be played indoors and work for small to large groups, so everyone can have fun together.

The simple rules make them suitable for children from the early elementary grades, and it’s great that they help develop motor skills.

Because the rules are simple, you can also add variations to adjust the difficulty.

Indoor activities that are easy to do (51–60)

20 indoor activities you can enjoy even on rainy days

After-school teachers recommend: 20 indoor activities kids can enjoy even on rainy days
20 indoor activities you can enjoy even on rainy days

Let me introduce a brain-teasing rule game.

The key point for the kids is to tell them, “Watch carefully.” Then the teacher shows numbers with their fingers, saying, “This is 1, this is 2,” and so on, which naturally makes the children focus on the finger movements.

But here’s the twist! They should also pay close attention to what the teacher says.

The level of excitement changes depending on the themes or rules the teacher sets.

Be sure to have fun playing it together with the kids! It’s also great because you can play it anywhere, like at camp or on a field trip.

Sandwich Game

[Group Play] A Thorough Guide to the Sandwich Game!
Sandwich Game

Here’s an idea for a “Sandwich Game” that’s a guaranteed hit in after-school care.

Adults holding mattresses play the “bread,” while the kids each become their favorite sandwich “fillings” and run around.

The rules are simple: when you sandwich a child with the mattress, you just say, “I’ll eat you!” And somehow, that’s all it takes to get everyone excited.

Both the chasers and the runners go all-in.

The kids dash around to avoid getting sandwiched, warming up both body and mind.

Even without elaborate setups, the thrill of almost getting caught and the fast pace make it a perfect group game for active days.

Aquabeads

Aquabeads are easy and fun: just place the small beads on a tray and stick them together with water.

Kids can focus on their own, creating all kinds of shapes and colors at their own pace.

Using their fingertips improves fine motor skills, and thinking about what design to make really expands their imagination.

Plus, there’s no glue or ironing, so cleanup is quick and easy! It’s also great because kids can feel a sense of accomplishment by completing projects on their own.

Once they get used to it, they can even make 3D creations—give it a try!

My First Fake Sweets

Let me introduce some super cute-looking fake sweets.

These days, you can find all kinds of candy-themed items at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to enjoy.

How about decorating your favorite shaped motifs with whipped cream for sweets deco and adding dragees? You don’t even have to make the motifs yourself to have fun, so it’s perfect for your first fake-sweets project! Thinking about colors and shapes and handling tiny parts helps develop fine motor skills and boosts concentration.

You’ll nurture many abilities while having fun making them, so give it a try!

Build a full-fledged plastic model

@kisk_cr

My 7-year-old son's creative process. It's a video a little over a minute long, and I'd be happy if you could watch the quiet scene of him making things.#CapCutLife with childrenPlastic modelAirplane#7years

♬ soft background music with piano string bells(1283463) – earbrojp

Plastic models are growing in popularity across all ages.

Building detailed kits like airplanes by yourself is especially recommended for elementary school children, as it helps develop dexterity.

Carefully examining the parts and assembling them fosters concentration and thinking skills, and the process of asking “How can I make this work well?” builds problem-solving abilities.

Seeing the finished model and thinking “I made this!” gives a strong sense of pride and boosts confidence.

Kids can also enjoy choosing colors and stickers and adding their own personal touches.

How about making a favorite plastic model as an indoor activity?

Let’s try cat’s cradle!

Cat’s cradle is a game you can enjoy anywhere with just one string! It’s great for kids to play indoors, and you can make various shapes even by yourself.

It might look difficult at first, but with practice you’ll get the hang of it.

Start with easier ones like “Easy Rubber,” then try “Broom” and “Star,” and once you’re used to it, you can even make the advanced “Ladder.” Moving your hands also helps your brain work well.

It’s fun to use the string to come up with and create your own original shapes, too.

You’ll lose track of time playing, so give it a try!