A big hit at after-school childcare! A special feature on group games and activities you can play without any equipment

Rule Game

[Game for Elementary Schoolers to Enjoy] Pattern Game

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.

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mayumi

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Birdcage play

Birdcage Game — Using Ringbee and Dodgebee (After-School Care Recreation)

Birdcage Play is a group game for after-school programs that uses flying-disc toys.

The rules are simple: One child plays the “bird” in the center, while the surrounding children form the “cage.” Players outside the cage throw the disc to one another, keeping the passes going while taking care not to hit the bird in the middle.

The bird moves around trying to catch the incoming disc; if they make a catch, they swap places with the thrower.

The game tests reflexes and throwing accuracy, and the possibility of switching roles adds a fun sense of tension.

You can freely adapt it to the number of players and discs available.

By using soft flying discs and other safety measures, kids can enjoy both the thrill and the physical activity of this game.

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kojifumi

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Weird relay

[Funny Relays] Guaranteed to Get Everyone Excited! 5 Recommended Relay Races for Elementary School Kids

By adding rule variations to a relay where team members run in turn, you can enjoy it as a more complex event.

When it’s a person’s turn, they carry out specified actions while thinking them through, cooperate as a team to meet the conditions, and aim for victory—that’s the general flow.

Introducing thinking elements—such as a game inspired by bingo where teams align rows by their team color—creates more opportunities for people who aren’t confident in athletics to shine.

By combining various victory conditions, you can also build excitement through different strategic approaches.

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kappamaki

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Fish, Birds, Trees

[20 Easy Classroom Activity Ideas No.20] Gyōchōmoku (Fish-Bird-Tree)

Do you know the game called Gyochomoku? It’s pronounced “gyo-cho-moku.” The game starts when the leader calls out, “Gyochomoku, will you say it or not?” and everyone answers together, “We’ll say it, we’ll say it.” The leader then points to someone and says one of “fish,” “bird,” or “tree.” If they say “fish,” you answer with the name of a fish.

If it’s “bird,” give the name of a bird; if it’s “tree,” the name of a tree.

You must not repeat the same category name twice with the same answer, nor give the same specific name twice.

It’s a game that even lower-grade children can play, and if it seems difficult, it’s nice to give hints while playing.

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utatane

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G Dodgeball

After-school childcare games (2): G Dodge

“G-Dodgeball” is a hugely popular team-based game in after-school care.

By adding a new role—the “Goalie,” a target that must be protected—to regular dodgeball, the game gains strategy and tension.

Each team selects one Goalie from among the first- or second-graders, and if that child is hit, the game ends immediately.

The infield players act as “Guardians,” doing everything they can to protect the Goalie.

Meanwhile, the outfield has “Getters” waiting to throw the ball at the opposing Goalie.

Because there are defined roles, everyone can shine, and with age-appropriate tweaks, the game evolves into an activity that excites players across grade levels.

It’s a great example of how a few simple rule additions can make dodgeball so much more fun.

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kojifumi

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kickbase

Recommended for upper elementary PE and recreation! Narabikko Kickbase

Kickbase isn’t just a physical game.

Kicking the ball, running, defending—every part is filled with children’s creativity and teamwork.

You’ll hear them calling out, “Who’s up next?” “How should we defend?” as they communicate and share roles.

Because it’s played with the feet, differences in strength matter less, making it fun for kids of different ages to play together on the same field.

They laugh when things don’t go well and high-five when they succeed.

Those small moments build confidence and cooperation.

Kickbase, which nurtures relationships while letting kids move their bodies to the fullest, is a perfect collaborative play activity for after-school programs.

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kojifumi

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Cops and Robbers

After-school childcare activities (1): Cops and Robbers (Keidoro)

When it comes to classic games that get after-school programs excited, “Keidoro” is a top pick.

As long as you have a large enough space, you can start right away, so prep is easy.

In this game, players split into police and robbers and chase each other, which builds teamwork, quick decision-making, and physical fitness—perfect for kids’ development.

The rules include robbers getting caught and put in “jail,” plus dramatic rescues by teammates, making it a hit across all age groups.

The more players, the more fun, so it’s ideal for group settings like after-school care.

Another appeal is that you can expand the ways to play by tweaking the rules.

It’s a highly recommended game for running around and being active in schoolyards or parks.

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kojifumi

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