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!
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Big Hits at After-School Care! A Collection of Group Play and Game Ideas You Can Do Without Equipment (21–30)
A speed-based mini-game of rock-paper-scissors tag
@playtas.basketball [Rock-Paper-Scissors Tag]1) Face each other and play rock-paper-scissors.2) The loser runs away immediately! The winner chases!3) If the runner makes it to the end line, they win!The rules are simple! A speed-based mini-game that’s fun for quick reactions and mind games 🏃♂️💨 Perfect for warm-ups or getting exercise while playing 💪🔥♦︎♢♦︎───────────────♦︎♢♦︎We’re running 8 classes at 5 locations in Okinawa. A former B.League pro provides direct coaching 🤝—solid!“Have fun first, then build up.”Feel free to come for a free trial 😊♦︎♢♦︎───────────────♦︎♢♦︎#PLAYTASPlaytasBasketball SchoolLearn while playingOkinawa PrefectureNishihara TownUruma CityGinowan CityOkinawa City#Beginners welcomePreschool SportsElementary school basketballJunior high school basketball
♬ DOSHABURI (feat. JUMADIBA) – kZm
This is a tag game for pairs.
The rules are very simple: after playing rock-paper-scissors, the winner chases the loser! The loser should run away immediately.
Set a line in advance that counts as a win if the runner makes it there.
Because you have to instantly judge whether you won or lost and act right away, it seems simple but actually makes you use your head more than you’d expect.
It’s also a game that builds concentration.
Even with a large group, you can have everyone start side by side and play simultaneously in a large space like a gym.
Saying one thing, doing the opposite.
This is a tricky game that requires no preparation.
Following the rule “say the same, do the opposite,” if the leader says “forward,” you say “forward” out loud while moving backward.
Doing the opposite of what you say can be pretty confusing.
As variations, you can try “say the opposite, do the same,” “say the opposite, do the opposite,” or gradually increase the tempo.
The more everyone gets confused, the more exciting it becomes, so definitely give it a try.
Pin Pon Pan Game
How about trying the “Ping-Pon-Pan” game, which requires no preparation and can be played with any number of people? First, form a circle and choose the first person.
That person says “Ping.” The person to their left says “Pon,” and the next person to the left says “Pan.” The person who says “Pan” points at someone, and starting from that person, the sequence “Ping, Pon, Pan” continues again.
When you’re suddenly pointed at, you might panic and say the wrong word, so you can’t let your guard down.
It’s the kind of game that tends to be more fun with a larger group.
Simple rhythm game
Let me introduce a simple rhythm game that can also serve as jump rope practice.
Place a circle on the ground to mark the starting position, and use it as your reference point for jumping.
Follow the caller’s instructions on where to jump.
At first, you’ll get simple commands like “forward,” “right,” and “up,” but as the level increases, combinations like “right-left” or “front-back” get mixed in, testing your reflexes.
The more complex it gets, the more excited kids are likely to be.
It doesn’t take up much space, so give it a try!
Werewolf Game for 10+ Players That Even Elementary School Students Can Play!
In addition to roles like “Werewolf” and “Villager,” it seems there are also roles such as “Android” and “God.” You can play using cards or with apps on smartphones, but that heart-pounding, exciting atmosphere of kids playing together face-to-face in the moment is likely to become a lasting memory.
Each time you add new roles, be sure to explain the rules carefully so everyone can enjoy the game while understanding it.
The video also features the role of “Lovers,” so be sure to try incorporating that as well.
Birthday line
Within the time limit, let’s try lining up in a single row in order of birthdays.
The rule here is that you must not say your exact date of birth.
If everyone clearly knows the others’ birthdates, you can line up smoothly.
But if someone’s is unknown, you’ll have to exchange clues and reason it out as you line up.
It might be tricky to come up with hints that others can understand, like “around the middle of the season.” If you think it through and line up correctly with no mistakes, it should be a big hit.
Having kids from various age groups—not just those born in the same year—will make it both more fun and more challenging.
King Janken
A King Rock-Paper-Scissors game everyone can get excited about.
The rules are simple: everyone plays rock-paper-scissors, and the child who keeps winning until the end becomes the first King.
If a participant loses to the King, they go to the back of the line.
If they beat the King, they switch places and become the new King.
The child who remains King at the end of the time limit is the winner.
The thrill of competition and cheering will further boost the atmosphere.
It’s also recommended to prepare a crown for the King to wear.
