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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!

Big hits in after-school care! A special collection of group play and game ideas you can do without equipment (51–60)

Territory game! S-Ken

A game called “S-Ken,” where teams compete to steal a treasure from territories drawn in a large S-shape.

Participants split into two teams and start from their respective sides.

Decide roles in advance: who will defend your territory and who will steal the enemy’s treasure.

When the start signal is given, move by hopping on one foot from outside the S to the enemy’s territory.

Once you enter the enemy’s area, you can move with both feet, so quickly grab the treasure.

The square spaces near the enemy territory are safe zones where you can stand on both feet and rest.

Those in your own territory should push enemies out of your area and protect the treasure.

The treasure can be anything like a stone on the ground.

Fun in a group! Daikon-pulling game

[Motor Skills] Daikon-Pulling Game | Coordination Training for Group Play
Fun in a group! Daikon-pulling game

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.

A rhythm game that toddlers can enjoy

No prep needed! 7 rhythm games you can do at daycare♪
A rhythm game that toddlers can enjoy

Moving your body to songs and rhythms can really lift your spirits, right? It introduces games that are fun even with large groups, like “Kaminari-don,” “Yakiimo Goo Choki Paa,” “Anpan Shokupan,” and “The Greengrocer’s Shop.” The rhythm game “The Greengrocer’s Shop” is a unique activity that fosters memory, concentration, and the ability to recall familiar items based on a theme.

How about trying it at events with preschoolers? It’s full of fun ideas that people of all ages can enjoy.

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.

A big hit in after-school childcare! A special collection of group play and game ideas you can do without any equipment (61–70)

Finger Suma: Fun Anywhere

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

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.

Jump, everyone!

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

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.

Post-decision rock-paper-scissors according to instructions

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