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

Fun in a group! Daikon-pulling game

[Motor Skills] Daikon-Pulling Game | Coordination Training for Group Play

Divide into two teams: the radishes and the pullers.

The radish team lies face down in a circle and links arms firmly.

When you’re ready, the puller team starts pulling the radishes.

Only pull by the legs—be careful not to pull on clothing.

If a radish doesn’t come out easily, work together, such as having two people pull one radish.

You can decide that pulling out all the radishes within the time limit wins, or let the child who gets pulled out become the next radish.

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sasashina

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Traditional children’s game “Abukutatta”

@shinbokuhoikuen

AbukutattaTraditional GamesShin-gi Nursery SchoolCertified Childcare and Education CenterKodomoen (combined childcare and kindergarten)#Nursery schoolNursery teacher / Childcare workerParentingOutdoor play#Indoor Play#Nursery School Craft#Childcare CraftingProductionWakayama Prefecture, Shingu CityShingu City#Nachikatsuura TownKiho Town

Original song – Shinboku Nursery School – Araki Nursery School

Abukutatta is a fun game that mixes a thumping heartbeat and excited anticipation, and even small children can enjoy it.

Choose one person to be “it,” have them sit in the center with their face covered.

The others join hands to form a circle around “it,” and walk around while singing.

As the song progresses, there’s a part where the people holding hands say, “Knock, knock, knock.” When that happens and “it” says, “It’s the sound of a ghost,” everyone breaks the circle and runs away.

Whoever gets tagged by “it” becomes the next “it.” If you add your own original sounds during the “What sound is it?” part, the game becomes even more exciting.

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mayumi

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Finger Suma: Fun Anywhere

Simple, fun at-home game with no props: Finger Suma

Finger Suma, a game that tests your split-second judgment and reflexes, can be enjoyed by a wide range of ages—from elementary school children to seniors.

First, use rock-paper-scissors to decide who will call the number.

The caller predicts how many thumbs will be raised and says, “Issē no [number]!” At the moment of the call, participants decide whether to raise their thumb or not and act accordingly.

If the called number matches the actual total number of raised thumbs, the caller succeeds and may pull back one of their hands.

If it doesn’t match, the turn passes to the next person in order.

The person who remains to the end loses.

Keeping a straight face throughout the game is also a key point.

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mayumi

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Jump, everyone!

[Recreation] Everyone Jump!! Various versions. Gymnastics class

It’s a game where everyone forms a circle, holds hands, and jumps in different directions.

Jumping helps develop concentration and a sense of balance.

By moving while listening to the teacher’s instructions, children can build their listening skills and their ability to think about how to move.

When calling out, speak clearly, loudly, and energetically.

Let’s enjoy jump play together—moving our heads as we jump and trying things like hopping on one foot or jumping with both feet.

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Post-decision rock-paper-scissors according to instructions

Rock-paper-scissors after the fact, according to the instructions!

This activity requires quick decision-making, and in response to instructions, playing “after-the-fact rock-paper-scissors” also hinges on your ability to concentrate.

The method is simple: participants march in place and play rock-paper-scissors with the instructor.

During the game, the instructor gives commands like “Lose” or “Win,” so participants must think on their feet and choose their hand accordingly.

Keeping a lively tempo makes it even more exciting.

If your response ends up opposite to the instructor’s instruction, you lose on the spot.

Give it a try!

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mayumi

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How to Make a Block Puzzle to Strengthen Shape Skills

@.vs9086

This time it’s a “Lego puzzle that boosts shape sense.” Making it and solving it both really work your brain. Even adults feel a real sense of accomplishment when they solve it! It’s a great brain-training activity. How to make it: (1) Stack plates to make the base. (2) Flip it over and add a frame. (3) Leave one small opening in the frame to make it easier to take pieces out. (4) Combine two-stud-wide plates to make the pieces. (5) It’s tricky to make the pieces fit perfectly. My 4th-grade older son can both build and solve the puzzle. My 1st-grade younger son had fun solving it! It’s compact, so you can pop it in a bag and take it with you. Great for passing time outdoors too—highly recommended. －－－－－－－ We share fun, brain-boosting activities that elementary schoolers get more hooked on than the Switch—and that grow their talents! Check out our other posts! －－－－－－－Elementary school kids' playBrain-boosting playSTEAM educationTranslation#legoLEGO puzzle

♬ A cute pop and bouncy song(1526882) – sanusagi

With these easy-to-copy, one-minute activities, you can make mornings fun and smooth.

We introduce simple and entertaining games like “Janken Champion,” where you face off in rock-paper-scissors and advance by winning; “Name Toss,” where you pass a ball while calling a friend’s name; and the “Yamanote Line Game,” where players link words to a beat based on a given theme.

We also feature classics like Finger Suma, Acchi Muite Hoi, and Green Peas.

None of the ideas require any preparation, so the moment you feel like it, you can start playing right away.

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sasashina

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3 fingerplay activities that engage first graders

[A Must-See for Teachers] 3 Hand Games That Captivate First Graders

The first is the classic “after-the-fact Rock-Paper-Scissors.” The leader says “Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!” and throws rock, scissors, or paper.

Participants watch and then play after the leader, aiming to win.

The second is a game called “Pachi-Pachi.” You clap only when the leader’s hands overlap.

Adding feints makes it more exciting.

The third is a game called “How Many Fingers?” The leader quickly shows a number with their fingers, then hides their hands behind their back.

Participants answer the number the leader showed.

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sasashina

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