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

Three fail-safe activities that are guaranteed to get everyone excited

3 Surefire Icebreakers for Elementary School

Here are three games that are guaranteed to get everyone hyped.

First is the “Rhythm Game”! Pick a theme, and only clap twice when you hear a word that matches it.

If you clap after a word that doesn’t fit the theme, you’re out.

Be careful not to clap by mistake in the heat of the moment.

The second game is “San-Ken Hoi!!”.

Everyone shows some fingers, and the first person to correctly call out the total number of fingers wins.

The third game is the “Clan Game.” Choose your own name, then make eye contact with someone and play rock-paper-scissors.

If you win, your name is passed to the person who lost.

In the end, the person who has spread their name to the most people is the winner.

Consider the difficulty level and group size, and pick the perfect game for your crowd!

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yuri

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Clap-Clap Game

A clapping game you can use for class activities! #MimasakaUniversity

Let me introduce the Clap-Clap Game that always gets the class excited.

The rules are simple: the leader moves both hands, and the participants watch the leader’s movements and clap their hands exactly when the leader’s hands overlap.

It’s a game where you enjoy clapping in sync with the timing.

Carefully observe the leader’s movements and match your timing.

It’s also important for the leader to be creative with their motions to make the game more exciting.

Even if someone claps at the wrong time, it turns into laughter and makes the game even more fun.

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mayumi

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Chinese jump rope

Let's try rubber band jumping!! #1

Rubber-band jumping is a traditional game that lets children enjoy using their flexibility and sense of rhythm.

A looped rubber band is fixed around the legs of two people, and the jumper hops over the band—above, below, and between it—in various rhythms.

The height and movements vary, starting low and then raising the band to waist or shoulder level to increase the difficulty.

Jumping to a song creates a steady tempo, and everyone around joins in by keeping the rhythm.

There’s no single correct way to jump, which fosters creativity and free thinking.

It’s a smile-filled game whose simple movements and sense of achievement when you succeed appeal to a wide range of ages.

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mutō

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Long Tail Pulling Game

Inada Elementary Long Tail-Tag Game (SDG 2)

A high-energy, low-contact long tail-tag game.

Each player attaches a long cloth strip or plastic cord to their waist, letting it hang behind them as a “tail.” Once the game starts, everyone runs around trying to grab others’ tails.

Because the tails are long, players can keep their distance while still creating offense and defense, making it fun to strategize without physical contact.

It demands stamina, quick bursts of speed, and keen observation, so younger and older students can compete together on the same field.

The last person whose tail hasn’t been taken is the winner, and despite its simplicity, games often get quite heated.

It’s a cleverly designed activity that balances safety with excitement.

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mutō

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Small Number Game

Easy Classroom Activity 10: “Small Number Game”

Do you know the Small Number Game? First, ask the children to choose one favorite number between 1 and 20.

I will call out the numbers in descending order, and when I reach the number they chose, they stand up.

If they are the only one who stands up at that moment, they become the champion and remain standing.

If two or more stand up at the same time, that’s a bust, and they have to sit down.

If someone becomes the champion with a smaller number, the previous champion sits down.

It’s fun because strategy and mind games are important.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Without Katakana

Simple and fun! A class-energizing activity: “Katakana-less”

In everyday life, we often use words written in katakana.

Here, we’d like to introduce “Katakana-ashi,” a game where you explain a given topic without using katakana.

For example, you show a ball used in P.E.

and ask, “What is this?” The answer will likely be “ball.” Next, have them describe the ball without using any katakana.

Children will likely search for answers by thinking of various words in their heads.

Try switching the roles of questioner and answerer and give it a go.

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Nakajima Junko

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Yamanote Line game

[Showdown] We tried the Yamanote Line Game! A YouTuber sets the topic and Mr./Ms. ___...!?

Here’s a game where you clap in time and rattle off the stations on the Yamanote Line.

You can also try different prompts like animal names, flower names, and more.

If your answer doesn’t come out in rhythm, if you repeat something that’s already been said, or if you say something incorrect, you’re out.

It’s long been known by another name, “Kokon Tozai.” It’s a party game you can play anywhere, with any number of people, and without any props.

Whether you’ve played it before or not, give it a try!

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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