[Childcare] Fun February Indoor Play Ideas That Work for Both Small and Large Groups
As Setsubun approaches, many people at nursery schools and kindergartens may be looking for games and activities to enjoy with the children.
From lively group recreations to simple hand-play activities that even little ones can join, here are some perfect games for Setsubun.
You can adapt classic games into oni (ogre) versions, pretend to do bean throwing using balls as beans, and come up with endless ways to play depending on your ideas.
Teachers, please join the children in creating happy, laughter-filled memories of Setsubun!
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[Childcare] Fun February Indoor Play Ideas That Work for Small or Large Groups (41–50)
Oni and the Twister Game
Twister has always been a hugely popular game, and since it’s Setsubun, how about enjoying it with someone dressed up as an oni (demon)? The scene might look a bit odd, but by adding a seasonal touch to a familiar game, it will be even more exciting and become a fun memory that sticks with you.
Whack-a-mole, Setsubun-style
How about making a “whack-a-mole” game using cardboard, toilet paper cores, and wooden chopsticks? If you do it for Setsubun, swap the moles for ogres, and the kids will be thrilled! Let’s whack them hard and drive the ogres away! Feel free to adapt the materials to suit the children’s ages.
Fingerplay song “Mame-maki” (Bean-Throwing)
This is a song included in “Ehon Shoka,” published by the Music Education Publishing Association in the early Showa period.
As Setsubun approaches, you can hear it coming from all around, so many of you probably know it.
As the title “Mame-maki” (Bean Throwing) suggests, it naturally includes gestures of throwing beans, making it a popular hand-play song.
Try acting out various ways of tossing beans, or use your index fingers to make ogre horns and place them on your head.
It’s also nice to talk with the children about ogre features other than “horns on the head.” It’s a song that can be enjoyed not only by children but also by older adults.
In conclusion
We introduced games and activities perfect for Setsubun.
From finger-play songs to active, full-body games, they’re all easy to incorporate into daycare and kindergarten recreation.
Setsubun games that large groups can enjoy will bring plenty of smiles to the children’s faces.
Be sure to enjoy the seasonal festivities to the fullest together with the kids.