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

Bamboo Shoot Gnocchi

Takenoko Nyokki (from “The Latest and Most Fun Recreation Games”)

Takenoko Nyokki is a staple of recreation games.

You don’t need any equipment, and it doesn’t depend on place or time, so you can easily play it anywhere.

The great thing about this game is that everyone—from kids to adults—can enjoy it together.

It’s a fun, exciting activity even in mixed-age groups like after-school programs.

It starts with “One nyokki,” and the numbers continue, but if you overlap with someone else or end up being the last one left, you’re out.

Everyone wants to finish early, so people can’t help but overlap, you know? (laughs)

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utatane

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Sinking Game

[For Childcare Workers] Teacher Rio’s Active Play That Gets Kids Excited [The Sinking Game]

Have you heard of the Sinking Game? In a large space like a hall or gym, place several mats around.

These mats become the “boats.” The children split into groups and stand on the mats, while the teacher plays the role of a shark.

When the teacher shouts, “The ship is sinking!” the children must move from their current mat to another one.

If they get caught by the shark while moving, they’re out! If they make it without being caught, they’re safe.

It’s also fun to use other words that start with the “chi” sound instead of “chinbotsu da” (“The ship is sinking!”).

It’s a heart-pounding game that’s perfect for after-school programs.

It can be played indoors on rainy days, so give it a try!

Let’s have fun with bouncing balloons!

Just add a small twist to a balloon and it becomes fun! Here’s an idea to enjoy a bouncing balloon.

One of the charms of balloons is how they drift on the wind and float down slowly even when tossed high.

This time, let’s add a simple tweak to make a balloon that bounces with a pop-pop and play with it.

All you need is a balloon, vinyl tape, and scissors.

Once you inflate the balloon, wrap vinyl tape around the knot in a spiral—and you’re done! You might even be able to use the bouncy balloon for activities like volleyball, basketball, or other recreational games.

Wiggly Tail Tag

We’d like to introduce a wiggly tail-tag game that also requires some clever footwork while running.

Use triangular red cones or blocks to create a winding path.

When players face each other, the person closer to the winding path is the runner, and the one farther away is the chaser.

Once they’re facing off, if the runner taps the chaser’s hand, the runner starts escaping along the winding path.

Because the path twists and turns, it’s hard to predict how the tail will move—that’s the key point.

It’s fun to focus, watch the tail’s movement, and think about the timing to grab it.

Once you get used to it, you can make the winding path longer to increase the running distance and make the game even more exciting.

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mayumi

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Hoop Tail Grab

Let me introduce a thrilling hoop tail-tag game.

Attach a tail to your backside and try to escape within a hula hoop so it doesn’t get taken.

If your tail is taken, the game is over.

Since the space inside the hula hoop is limited, the key is to move your body cleverly to avoid having your tail grabbed.

It may be even more exciting if you set a time limit or prepare extra hula hoops.

If you increase the number of hula hoops, it’s also recommended to add more taggers.

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mayumi

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chantAdo

Rhythm Jump Rope “Shō”

Rhythm jump rope set to Ado’s song “Show” seems like it would be even more exciting, with the uptempo, powerful vocals boosting the energy! Before you start jumping, try some light body loosening to ease tension—this will help you enter the rhythm smoothly when you begin.

During the slower parts of the song, incorporate crisscross jumps by crossing your arms.

It’s easier if you cross the rope slightly lower, near your lower body.

For the challenge section, add your favorite signature tricks to finish in style!

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lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Rhythm Jump Rope “Lilac”

Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” is a perfect fit for rhythm jump rope.

During the chorus, when doing two-beat jumps, it’s easy to look down and lose your posture, so try to keep your gaze forward and jump while feeling the rhythm.

The challenge section is the main highlight of rhythm jump rope! Incorporate double unders, focus on spinning the rope quickly and jumping high, and give it your best.

If you’re up for it, adding moves like backward double unders or the Hayabusa is also recommended.

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mayumi

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Body Rock-Paper-Scissors

Parent-child physical play [Icebreaker: Rock-paper-scissors with the body]

Let’s enjoy rock-paper-scissors with full-body dynamic movements.

For rock, crouch down and curl your body.

For scissors, extend your arms and legs forward and backward.

For paper, spread your arms and legs wide to the sides.

Face each other and play rock-paper-scissors; the person who loses jumps in place five times.

There’s no special preparation needed and the rules are very simple, so not only elementary school children but also parents can enjoy it together.

It’s great to try during small pockets of free time.

Give it a try for reference!

triathlon

Let’s clear the challenges set at each station and aim for the finish! Here’s a triathlon-inspired idea.

A triathlon is a race where you swim, cycle, and run in sequence to reach the goal, right? This time, let’s try playing a game where you aim for the finish by overcoming a series of continuous challenges, just like a triathlon.

In the video, it looks like pairs are cooperating and playing together.

How about incorporating this into your activities with some adaptations?

Group boat race

@hiyoko_sakuranbo

You can start tomorrow! Group rhythm “Boat Race” “Solo boat” and “Two-person boat” are fun, but doing it as a group of 7 or 8 is even more fun! If you include it at the end of a requested staff training, the teachers’ smiles burst forth, and you can finish the session in a joyful atmosphere. It’s the same with children. If you end with a rhythm activity everyone can enjoy together, you’re sure to see the biggest smiles. ✨ Give it a try in tomorrow’s childcare! **************** “Saito Kimiko’s Cherry Rhythm Play” is a scientifically grounded method that promotes children’s development through play. We share rhythm activities that can be implemented immediately in educational settings through workshops and at preschools nationwide. **************** Mayumi Murata | Cherry Rhythm Play ▶ Book text composition for “DVD Book Complete Visual Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Childcare” ▶ Planning and editing for “Illustrated Edition: Saito Kimiko’s Sakura·Sakuranbo Rhythm Play” Thank you for your likes and follows!#Cherry Rhythm PlaySakura Sakura-nbo Rhythm#Rhythm PlayRhythm PlayHiroko SaitoNursery teacher / Childcare workerKindergarten TeacherGroup boat race

♪ Original Song – hiyoko_sakuranbo – hiyoko_sakuranbo

Perfect for class recreation or grade-level activities! Here are ideas for a group boat race.

You know how rowing is an Olympic sport, right? This time, we’re sharing ideas for a boat race played in groups.

In the video, teams of seven sit in a row and inch forward toward the goal by pushing with their heels.

It’s not just the person in front who does the work—when everyone on the team synchronizes their timing, you can make big progress! It’s also a good idea to use a chant like “1, 2, 1, 2” or “Ready, go!”