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Lovely Play & Recreation

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

Many of you may be looking for games that captivate children and are indispensable for the exciting activity time in after-school care.

Group play unique to after-school programs includes plenty of activities—both outdoors and indoors—that get everyone lively and engaged, while naturally nurturing motor skills and communication.

Here, we introduce fun game ideas that spark smiles, such as group shiritori, the telephone game, and DIY archery.

These activities are enjoyable for both small and large groups, so be sure to try them out in your after-school care setting!

A big hit in after-school care! A special feature on group play and game ideas you can do without any equipment (121–130)

Balloon Tennis

We played with Anpanman's “Big Balloon Tennis”! ★Anpanman Big Balloon Tennis★
Balloon Tennis

Kids’ smiles bursting with joy! Here are some balloon tennis ideas.

Tennis is usually played with a racket and a tennis ball, right? In the video, they’re using rackets with Anpanman illustrations.

Using larger-than-normal balloons might make it easier to hit with the racket.

Since balloons can easily be carried away by the wind, if you play balloon tennis outdoors, it’s best to choose a spacious area and a day with little wind.

It’s also a fun idea for indoor play.

Balloon Trampoline

[Balloon Trampoline] Strengthen the core with crawling movements! #indoorplay #developmentalplay #childcare
Balloon Trampoline

Only two materials! Here’s an idea for a balloon trampoline.

The bouncy, springy feeling of a trampoline excites both kids and adults, doesn’t it? This time, let’s play with a DIY trampoline.

All you need is a large vacuum/compression storage bag and balloons.

Inflate the balloons and pack them into the storage bag.

Seal the bag, compress it, and you’re done! A balloon-made trampoline is colorful and sure to capture kids’ attention!

balloon volleyball

Balloon art fun with balloons! How to play balloon volleyball that even beginners can enjoy easily♪
balloon volleyball

Let’s have fun moving our bodies! Here are some ideas for balloon volleyball.

Volleyball is a sport where two teams face off across a net, hitting the ball back and forth to score points.

This time, all you need is a single balloon.

You can even find them at 100-yen shops these days, so it’s easy to prepare.

The way to play is simple: two or more people face each other and tap the balloon with their hands to keep a rally going.

Once you get used to it, try counting out loud or playing a word-chain game (shiritori) while you rally.

high-jump-style rubber jumping

🧡 [Parent-Child Play / Improving Motor Skills] Nostalgic Showa-Era 'Rubber Band Jump Challenge' — Lots of ways to jump ✌️
high-jump-style rubber jumping

Let’s get into classic Showa-era games! Here’s an idea for rubber jumping, similar to high jump.

Rubber jumping is the game where you hook a rubber band around your legs, stretch it, and jump over it alternately.

It seems to have been popular mainly among girls during the Showa period.

What you need is flat elastic.

Start with the height at your ankles.

As you get used to it, raise it to your calves, knees, thighs, and then your waist.

If you practice every day, your athletic ability will improve, and you’ll likely be able to clear higher levels over time.

A big hit in after-school care! A special feature on group play and game ideas you can do without any equipment (131–140)

Ball-carrying game

@toiro_efilagroup

Is the guys' team actually doing it seriously? lol#toiroAfter-school day serviceChildcare Worker# developmental support (ryōiku)#Kanagawa PrefectureAndante

♪ Original song – toiro After-school Day – toiro After-school Day

Let’s have fun by combining items you already have at home! Here are some ideas for a ball-carrying game.

Through play, kids can learn the importance—and the challenge—of working together to reach a goal.

The rules are simple: two people hold a towel together to carry a ball and place it into a basket or bag.

It’s great for building concentration and balance.

It’s easy to do indoors, so you can enjoy it with your child or friends and feel a sense of accomplishment together.

Once you get used to it, try customizing the course!

Cooperation-Required Cup Game

@.vs9086

This time it’s a “cooperation-required cup game”! Materials: • 4 strings • 1 rubber band • Paper or plastic cups How to play: • Attach the 4 strings to the rubber band. • Line up the paper cups. • Tug the rubber band from four directions to grip the cup and stack them into a pyramid. This game builds fine hand control and concentration. Plus, one person can take the lead by giving instructions, and the other listens and responds. You can’t do it unless the two of you work together. My second son isn’t very cooperative and hasn’t really had experiences of accomplishing something together with friends, so I hope that, even through play, he can gradually gain experiences of achieving something with someone else. If you have paper cups, you can also branch out into other games like: • Sport stacking • Bowling ————— We share fun brain-boosting activities that elementary schoolers will get more absorbed in than a Switch—and that help grow their talents! Check out the other posts, too! —————Elementary school kids' playBrain-boosting playSTEAM education

♬ Cheap and cute athletic meet classic song(1085557) – Kids Sound

It’s hard to reach goals alone! Here’s a cup game that requires teamwork.

It’s a game idea where you and your friends coordinate your timing to grab and move cups.

Once you tie four strings to a rubber band, you’re ready to go! Two people work in sync to grip a cup.

Try building a pyramid or stacking them high—get creative with different arrangements.

The subtle balance of force and tiny timing mismatches that make the cups not move as you want can be surprisingly addictive!

Treasure-catching game

@kidschallengeclubLupin the Third Theme (High Quality) – Sound Works

Who will win, the police or the thieves? Here’s an idea for a treasure-grabbing game.

Through the roles of thieves and police, players can work with teammates to devise and execute strategies while developing quick decision-making skills—it’s a fun game! The thieves sneak past the police to carry the treasure, while the police run around to catch the thieves.

With a perfect balance of competition and cooperation, kids will burn off energy while getting totally absorbed in play.

The rules are simple, and everyone who joins the game will feel the thrill and excitement!