RAG MusicPlay & Recreation
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!

Big Hits at After-School Care! A Special Collection of Group Play and Game Ideas You Can Do Without Any Equipment (161–170)

Go and Shogi

[Daiei] VTuber Mokkun: Let's Learn the Basic Rules of Shogi
Go and Shogi

In the past few years, shogi has really been booming, hasn’t it? Many adults have started playing or learned the rules because of the boom, and it’s certainly beneficial for children to get familiar with it from a young age.

Since it makes you use your brain, it’s great mental exercise and helps build concentration.

Go, which might be less familiar than shogi for many people, is similar—it’s a game, but it develops the ability to think things through carefully and truly benefits children.

Some kids might even find it so fun that it becomes a hobby!

utatane
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kamishibai (paper theater) and read-aloud storytelling

[Read-aloud] Handmade Paper Theater (Sharing in Half)
kamishibai (paper theater) and read-aloud storytelling

You can enjoy kamishibai and read-aloud storytelling together with everyone, from small children to older grades.

Kamishibai has long been a children’s recreation; adults may find it nostalgic and enjoyable to read as well.

Having the children do the reading could be a fresh and nice idea, too.

Read-alouds let you experience books in a way that’s different from reading silently on your own—whether it’s a picture book or a text-only book.

Listening and understanding with just your ears can also expand the imagination.

utatane
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Gorilla Game

[Class Activity] Guaranteed to Succeed, Laugh-Out-Loud! Gorilla Game
Gorilla Game

Let me introduce a game that will have your class roaring with laughter: the Gorilla Game.

Choose one child in the classroom, and have them answer every question from the questioner with the word “Gorilla.” For example, if the question is, “What did you eat for breakfast today?” the child answers, “Gorilla.” Of course, the questioner should react with a funny comeback to the “Gorilla” answer.

This back-and-forth will make the kids burst into laughter.

Make sure the final question sets up a punchline.

Also, the questioner’s reactions are key—add some facial expressions to make it even more exciting.

Nakajima Junko
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In conclusion

We introduced play ideas for after-school childcare.

From games enjoyed in groups to activities kids can try on their own, there are plenty of ways to have a fulfilling time both outdoors and indoors.

Even during long breaks like summer vacation, you can create play spaces filled with children’s smiles.

We hope that adults will sometimes join in too, deepening emotional connections through play.