Hello, this is MY STELLA! With the motto of "deepening the bond between parents and children and fostering children's self-esteem", we have delved deeper into the history and knowledge of ninjas until last time.
In this third installment, we will focus on the incredible skills and wisdom of ninjas and how they can be used in modern parenting. "Isn't it a bit exaggerated?" You may think so, but this is really useful for children's ability development! I actually tried it at my home and was really surprised at how well the children grew. This time, we will deliver such "seriously" ninja wisdom!
Basics of Ninjutsu - Children's "Observation Skills" and "Adaptability" Learned from the Five Elements
Ninjutsu, a ninja technique system, was not just a physical technique, but a culmination of comprehensive wisdom for gathering information and survival. In particular, the worldview based on the five elements of "wood, fire, earth, metal, and water" is a wonderful teaching material that fosters children's observation and thinking skills.
For instance Tree Technique symbolizes growth and flexibility, a technique that harnesses the power of nature. Water magic symbolizes fluidity and adaptability, teaching us how to think about how to change shape to suit the situation.
I asked my 5-year-old son, "It's raining today. When I asked, I immediately replied, "You can hide the sound of footsteps with the sound of rain!" Seriously! Where did you learn that? I was surprised. Children's imagination is really amazing!
Did you know that February 22 is "Ninja Day"? On this day, which was established from the pun on "ninja" in 2 (ni) 2 (ni), special events are held at ninja-related facilities in various places. It will be a wonderful family memory to decide on this day as a "ninja test day" and accumulate a special experience once a year.
🥷 The art of ninja disguise: Nurturing children's imagination and social skills
The "art of disguise" that ninjas excel at is an excellent teaching material for developing children's imagination and social skills. Ninjas disguised themselves as farmers, merchants, traveling entertainers, etc. depending on their mission, but this was not just a change of costume, but required in-depth observation and acting to become their profession and position.
Located in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, " Iga Ninja Museum " is exhibited the disguise techniques and tools actually used by ninjas. According to the museum's curator, "ninjas achieved perfect disguise by understanding the other person's perspective and thought patterns." This is exactly the ability to lead to modern "empathy" and "understanding of others".
You can do it at home! Recommended disguise play
We recommend pretend play to transform into various occupations using clothes and accessories you have at home. "What kind of words would a doctor use?" "How would a library staff move?" Let's develop the ability to understand other people's perspectives and behavior patterns.
When I was in elementary school, I used to play "disguised ninja" with my friends. When I borrowed my mother's scarf and hat and tried to sneak into my neighbor's grandmother's house, my grandmother immediately said, "Oh, aren't they ○○-chan?" Certainly If you don't change not only your clothes, but also the way you walk and speak, you won't be able to become a real disguise (laughs). Looking back now, I thought it was just a game at the time, but it was actually a valuable practice to observe the behavior patterns of others!
「Ninja Care Have you ever heard of the word? Some nursery schools are attracting attention for their efforts to develop children's communication skills and social skills through "impersonation play" that incorporates this concept of "disguise".
💡 The mind of ingenuity learned from ninja tools (ninja tools)
Ninjas used various tools (ninja tools) to carry out their missions. In addition to the famous shuriken and kunai, he skillfully used tools according to his purpose, such as the "chain scythe" that combines ropes and sickles, the "water spider" for breathing underwater, and the "grappling hook" for climbing walls.
These Ninja tools is just a Weapons It was not the crystallization of wisdom and ingenuity. The idea of creating maximum impact from the limited materials at hand is perfect for fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in children.
At the "Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Mansion" in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, you can not only exhibit the ninja tools that were actually used, but also learn the secrets of how to use them and their ingenuity. According to the curator, "Each ninja tool was lightweight, compact, and multi-functional designed to be used for multiple purposes." It can be said to be the forerunner of modern minimalism and sustainable values.
You can do it at home! Super easy ninja tool making technique
We recommend using familiar materials such as cardboard, empty boxes, and yarn to make original ninja tools. "When is this tool useful?" "How can I make it more useful?" By asking your child, creativity and logical thinking skills will naturally be nurtured.
The other day, my 6-year-old daughter and I made "ninja tools". I was supposed to have made a "telescope" out of toilet paper wicks and rubber bands, but my daughter started blowing, "This is a sleep whistle that puts enemies to sleep! After that, my husband really fell asleep (laughs). **Really!? ** Children's creativity is infinite!
Especially as indoor play on rainy days, " Ninja scroll " is also a fun activity. The game of rolling up drawing paper, attaching sticks to both ends, and drawing and writing "ninja secret techniques" on them also draws interest in letters. This will be a real "ninja scroll", a treasure trove of children's creativity.
🔍 Information gathering skills - cultivating children's attention and memory
The true essence of ninjas was actually in information warfare. Infiltrating enemy territory, collecting, memorizing and bringing back important information – this ability is a necessary skill for children living in today's information-rich society.
Family Fun! Ninja Intelligence Gathering Game
When you go shopping or for a walk, give them small tasks like "Observe all the red things in this store like a ninja" or "Memorize three sounds you hear in the park." By repeating successful experiences such as "Mission Clear!" will increase children's self-esteem.
In fact, my child had a developmental disability and was worried about not being able to concentrate. So I set out a mission as a "ninja spy mission" to collect information about the store while shopping. At first, my son was doing it casually, but he gradually became more serious, and eventually he even remembered the name tag of the clerk. When he proudly reported, "Dad, that sister's name is ○○!", I couldn't help but burst into tears. **I can concentrate so much! **What. Ninjas really bring out the potential of children.
Parents and children " Ninja Forest " is also recommended to conduct observation training using the five senses in nature. "What does this leaf smell like?" While asking, "What kind of insects are hiding?", let's sharpen the child's senses. In Mie and Aichi prefectures, there are also nature experience spots named "Ninja Forest". The "Ninja Forest" near Nagoya City is popular with families because they can practice ninja in the wilderness.
Also 全国の忍者体験テーマパーク完全ガイドもあわせてご覧ください。
💪 Ninja Physical Techniques - Athletic Ability and Self-Control
The physical skills of ninjas were by no means superhuman, but the accumulation of basic physical strength and precise movements through thorough training.
Get started now! 3 Ninja Trainings
For physical skill training that can be done at home, we recommend the following simple "ninja training":
- Ninja Walk : Practice walking gently without making noise (concentration and body control)
- Wall walk : Squat with your back against the wall and slowly move to the side (strengthening balance and lower body)
- Ninja Bridge : Get on all fours, raise your hips high, and move forward in that posture (coordination of the whole body)
These movements can be safely practiced indoors without special equipment, and can comprehensively enhance children's motor skills. Just use the phrase "like a ninja" and children will be engrossed in it.
When I was a child, I was influenced by "Dragon Ball" and was training to "disappear the presence". I was practicing walking down the hallway without making a sound, and my mother suddenly said, "I know you're there," and I was super shocked (laughs). You did this when you were a child. Everyone. Now, when I go on a "ninja walk" with my child, I feel back at that time. But this time, "Oh! The line is the role of an adult.
📚 Patience and concentration: Ninja teachings to cultivate mental strength
As the ninja character "ninja" suggests, the spirit of perseverance to "endure with a blade to the heart" was at the root of ninjas. This mental strength is directly related to the "ability to overcome difficulties" that modern children also need.
Ninja Picture Book It is also effective to use it. Recently, many picture books and books about ninjas have been published. Through "Ninja Picture Books", you can learn the patience and wisdom of ninjas. Why not incorporate it into your reading before bed? In particular, the story of the main character overcoming difficulties with wisdom and patience will remain deeply in the hearts of children.
The other day, when I was reading a ninja picture book to my 4-year-old son, he said, "Ninjas don't give up." Just like my son, who had been crying because he fell many times during cycling practice recently, wanted to practice the next day, saying, "I won't give up like a ninja!" After a week, I was able to ride without training wheels. The power of picture books is amazing! I cried at my son's growth.
Meistera will soon release an original "ninja picture book". With personalized picture books tailored to each child, you can learn "the mind that never gives up" and "the ability to devise" through the world of ninjas. Please look forward to it!
⚔️ I want to tell my children! The true strength of a surprisingly unknown ninja
The true strength of a ninja is Weapons It was not about combat skills, but about "adaptability" and "judgment". Calmly judging even in isolated situations in enemy territory and choosing the best actions according to the situation - this is the core ability of a ninja.
Fujita Saiko, who was active as a leading expert in ninjutsu research before and after the war, said, "Ninjas did not simply win or lose, but thought first about how to achieve their goals. This mindset of "finding the optimal solution according to the situation" is a necessary mindset for children living in a complex modern society.
The other day, my elementary school son got into a fight with his friend and said, "I didn't fight back," so at first I thought, "Why did you run away?" But my son said, "Because it's more important to make up than to fight, and the best ninja is the one who succeeds in the mission without fighting." **Seriously...! **I felt like my child taught me a life lesson.
🏠 5 practical ideas for ninja games you can do at home
Finally, I would like to introduce "ninja pretending" that you can practice right away from today. These games can be started without special tools and help children develop various skills.
I can do it right away tomorrow! 5 ninja games
- Ninja's Code Message : a game of making simple ciphers and exchanging secret messages between family members (logical thinking and creativity)
- Shadow Shadow : A game in which you use LED lights to escape or chase shadows reflected on the wall (body awareness and spatial awareness ability)
- Creating a ninja's hideout : Activities to create a secret base indoors using blankets and chairs (creativity and problem-solving skills)
- Training the five senses : Play in which you blindfold and guess at things only with sounds, smells, and touches (sensory integration and concentration)
- Ninja Maze Mission : A game in which you place obstacles in a room, make "laser traps" with strings, etc., and go to get "hidden treasures" (toys, etc.) while avoiding them (body control and spatial awareness)
The other day, I tried the "Ninja Maze Mission" at home. I stretched red yarn all over the living room to make a "laser trap". The children were overjoyed and challenged, but my husband woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and fell big when he got caught in the yarn in the pitch dark! I shouted, "What's going on!!" and woke up the whole family. **Seriously, I laughed! **But the next morning, my husband also said, "I didn't train enough as a ninja," and it was ♪ the best punchline to start playing with him
These games are called " Ninja scroll " and you can even get an even more authentic ninja experience. Just give them a scroll at breakfast that says "Today's mission is...", and you may even see your child engaged.
Also 関東で子連れ忍者体験ができるスポットもあわせてご覧ください。
Summary: The "power to live" nurtured by ninja wisdom
Ninja techniques and ideas are not just historical beings, but a treasure trove of valuable wisdom that can be used in modern parenting. Observation, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, physical ability, perseverance, coordination... These abilities that ninjas possessed are exactly the "power to live" necessary to survive in modern society.
Enjoy the journey through the world of ninjas that nurtures your child's imagination and self-esteem. Let's apply the wisdom of ninjas to modern parenting so that children can solve problems on their own and develop the ability to respond flexibly to any situation.
Next preview
Next time, "Go with parents and children! Ninja Museum and experience facilities. We will guide you to sacred places for families to enjoy, such as places where you can actually throw shuriken and experience ninja costumes, and spots where you can experience full-fledged ninja training. Please look forward to!
忍者の「観察力・適応力・問題解決能力」を絵本で育んだら、世界11か国を冒険するわが子が主人公の名前入り絵本『さがして！みつけて！ふしぎなせかいりょこう』で、さらに大きな探求心を育ててみませんか。お子さまのお名前が主人公として登場します♪
Frequently Asked Questions
- 忍者ごっこは子どもの発達にどんな効果がありますか？
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忍者ごっこには、身体能力（バランス・俊敏性・体幹）の向上はもちろん、集中力・観察力・問題解決能力の育成にも効果があります。「見つからないように動く」「作戦を考える」という要素が、思考力と創造力を同時に鍛えます。さらに、役割を決めて一緒に遊ぶことで協調性も育まれます。
- 忍者の考え方を子育てに取り入れるには具体的にどうすればいい？
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日常のちょっとした場面で「今日の忍者修行は〇〇だよ」と声かけするだけで始められます。例えば「静かに歩く練習」「目標まで諦めずに取り組む」「家族で力を合わせる」など。大切なのは失敗しても笑って「次の修行へ！」と切り替えること。忍者の「七転び八起き」の精神が自己肯定感を育てます。
- 何歳から忍者の考え方を伝えられますか？
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3歳ごろから「忍者ごっこ」として楽しめます。この年齢では「静かに歩く」「物陰から覗く」など動きの楽しさを中心に。5〜6歳になると「作戦を立てる」「目標を決めて修行する」という思考的な側面も加わります。忍者絵本と組み合わせると、より自然にメッセージが伝わります。
