Fun Indoor Games for Elementary School Kids Without Any Equipment

Don Janken

[Batting Average 100% Class Activity] Don-Janken | It gets so hyped that it’s almost a problem.

A game everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults! Here’s an idea for “Don Janken.” Split into two teams; the team that reaches the opponent’s territory first wins.

When you do rock-paper-scissors, the chant is “Don janken pon!” This idea requires almost no preparation and works great with large groups—that’s the key recommendation.

However, because players can get too fixated on winning, disputes may arise near the territory line, so it’s best for adults to make the final call on wins and losses.

Give it a try!

Reflex Game

[Hand Game Fun for Elementary Kids] Quick Reaction Game

We’d like to introduce an idea for a group game called the “Quick-Reaction Game,” perfect for after-school programs because the rules are simple and you can adapt it freely.

The basic rule is: when the leader meows like a cat (“meow”), the children must immediately raise their hands.

That alone is simple, but by mixing in feints—like a dog’s bark or a wolf’s howl—you add just the right amount of thrill and laughter.

You can also use instruments instead of animal sounds.

For example, the bell sound means correct, while castanets or a tambourine indicate a trick.

Using familiar instruments makes it fun while building focus and reaction speed.

It’s a highly adaptable, recommended game that you can play over and over, adjusting for different ages and group sizes.

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kojifumi

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Cross clap

[Hand Game Kids Will Love] Cross Clap

Let me introduce a lively hand game with big movements called “Cross Clap.” The nice thing is that you can play it easily without any props.

First, choose one person who will cross their arms.

The rule is simple: the children watching should clap at the exact moment when both hands overlap.

It can be fun to suddenly freeze or speed up the movement after a sequence of rhythmic claps.

The key is to make them let their guard down by making them think it’s the same movement.

Clapping to a 3-3-7 rhythm is also recommended.

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hanauta obasan

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20 indoor activities you can enjoy even on rainy days

After-school teachers recommend: 20 indoor activities kids can enjoy even on rainy days

Let me introduce a brain-teasing rule game.

The key point for the kids is to tell them, “Watch carefully.” Then the teacher shows numbers with their fingers, saying, “This is 1, this is 2,” and so on, which naturally makes the children focus on the finger movements.

But here’s the twist! They should also pay close attention to what the teacher says.

The level of excitement changes depending on the themes or rules the teacher sets.

Be sure to have fun playing it together with the kids! It’s also great because you can play it anywhere, like at camp or on a field trip.

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mayumi

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Shape Finding Game

[English • For Kids] Shape Hunt Game 🟩🦁🔴 Learn with Fun Animation! <Miraico English>

How do you say this shape in English? Here’s an idea for a shape-finding game.

It’s a way to learn English that fits right into everyday life! By finding shapes in your room that are specified in English, you can build vocabulary you can actually use.

For example, try linking everyday objects with words like circle, square, and triangle.

You’ll improve your ability to recognize shapes while learning their names in English at the same time.

It’s also great that you can learn in familiar places!

Spinning Turn Game

[5th Grade Directions] Learn Left and Right in English with Your Body! “Spin-and-Turn Game”

This is a game that’s perfect for checking whether players remember the vocabulary used for giving directions, while having them use their bodies to show left and right.

Start by marching in place.

Then, have them turn their bodies according to the instructions “Turn right” and “Turn left.” Since you can’t move forward indoors, including the command “Go straight” to mean staying in place is a useful twist.

Have them keep marching and changing direction until you say “Stop.” Because players might copy others, it’s also recommended to use blindfolds—while ensuring safety—so they can’t rely on others’ movements.

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kappamaki

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Greeting game

[Japanese Activity] Greeting Game / [Aisatsu Game] Greetings, Bowing #1

Let’s greet according to the time of day! Here are some greeting game ideas.

These fun activities help you learn greetings suited to different times and cultures in a game-like way.

Walk around to music, and when the music stops, look at the illustration the teacher shows and say the appropriate greeting for that time of day—this helps develop decision-making skills! You can also incorporate greetings from other cultures, such as the United States and France, to learn greetings from around the world and expand your vocabulary.

Give it a try!