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[Elementary School Rec] Recommended Games and Performances for a Fun Party

We’re introducing recommended games and performances for elementary school party days!

Many elementary schools hold a party day at the end of each term.

Sometimes teachers plan the activities, but there may also be schools where students take the lead.

In this article, we’ve gathered games and performances that elementary schoolers will find “fun!” and “exciting!”

There are options that work even in small spaces, so be sure to check them out when you’re unsure what to do!

[Elementary School Recreation] Recommended Games and Performances for Fun Parties (91–100)

Tambourine Ensemble Piece

[Tambourine Ensemble Piece] For upper elementary grades – Music recital: “Happiness Tambourina” [Composed by Akiko Yamamoto]
Tambourine Ensemble Piece

A tambourine makes sound in simple ways, like hitting or shaking it.

While keeping the rhythm on a tambourine, try striking a pose together with everyone.

It’s also fun to play the tambourine while doing a wave—sitting or standing in a line one after another.

If all the children perform with smiles, a cheerful atmosphere will fill the venue.

Watching such a tambourine ensemble is sure to lift people’s spirits.

Having someone on drums as well would make it even more exciting.

Team Battle Treasure Hunt

[Treasure Hunt in a Model House] Team Showdown: Puzzle-Solving Treasure Hunt Game! — The Double-Glasses Challenge —
Team Battle Treasure Hunt

Let’s have fun trading riddles! Here’s an idea for a team-based treasure hunt battle.

It’s an exciting concept that sparks cooperation and creativity! Split into a team that creates riddles and a team that solves them to find the next clue, all aiming for the treasure.

By playing this game, you’ll not only boost your problem-solving and reasoning skills, but also learn the importance of teamwork and communication.

The appeal lies in getting absorbed in solving puzzles together with your teammates and enjoying a real sense of accomplishment.

In the video, the game is played in a model house, but try arranging a version for your own home.

Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors

Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors: Guaranteed to be a hit! A recreational activity
Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors

Perfect for class or grade-level activities! Here’s a fun idea for Pyramid Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Rock-Paper-Scissors is a simple, classic game that always gets everyone excited, and with a few tweaks, it becomes even more engaging for kids! After splitting into Defense and Offense teams, the Defense team stands on the lines drawn in a pyramid shape.

The Offense team aims to defeat the King by playing rock-paper-scissors against the Defense team and advancing with each win.

A key rule for the Offense team: if you lose a round, you must return to the starting point!

Rhythm Dance

Elementary School, Middle Grades Physical Education – 16 Rhythm Dance: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Rhythm Dance

The music we hear in everyday life each has its own rhythm, which makes the joy of sound stand out even more.

This activity focuses on those rhythms and encourages expressing them through free movement.

Even if everyone’s movements are different, you can see individual personalities and build excitement; it’s also recommended to try giving the movements a sense of direction to create unity.

A clear approach might be to first choose a theme song and let everyone move their bodies freely, then have everyone try out the movements that were especially good or most common.

Instrumental ensemble

For 5th–6th Graders: Que Sera Sera / Mrs. GREEN APPLE [Instrumental Ensemble for Elementary School Students – Full Performance] Rocket Music KGH583
Instrumental ensemble

If your whole class wants to put on a presentation together, how about trying an instrumental ensemble? Those of you in the upper grades have probably done it a few times already, but since this is a special opportunity, try picking a slightly more challenging piece from among your favorite songs.

Of course, the practice will be tough, but the thrill when the music comes together beautifully is truly amazing, and working as a group on a single piece will become a wonderful memory.

It won’t succeed without unity, so I think it will also be a great chance to improve communication.

Finger Catch

[Hand Play That Elementary School Kids Can Enjoy] Catch
Finger Catch

No-prep recreation! Here’s a finger-catch game idea.

It works with two people or large groups, so it’s very flexible, and you don’t need any equipment—highly recommended! Participants stand in a circle, and once they hear the facilitator’s signal, they’re ready to go.

Make your right hand into a tube shape, and with your left hand, raise your index finger and place it inside the tube made by the person on your left.

When the facilitator says “Catch,” squeeze your right hand to catch the right neighbor’s index finger that’s inside your tube.

At the same time, quickly pull your left index finger out so it won’t be caught by the person on your left.

It’s a simple game, but it really gets everyone excited!

samurai period drama

Learning Presentation 9: Mito Komon
samurai period drama

I don’t think many elementary school kids watch period dramas, but a “period drama” production seems like an idea that would go over very well with grandparents’ generation.

In period dramas, good and evil are clearly defined, so the stories are surprisingly easy for children to follow.

It’s also amusing to see kids play the stereotypical crooked magistrate because of the fun contrast, and they’d probably be thrilled to practice the classic sword-fighting scenes.

Period dramas can be a great chance to learn about history and Japanese culture, so if a regular play isn’t generating much excitement, definitely consider making this your project.