Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Fun Songs for 2-Year-Olds to Sing! Recommended Song Collection

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherDr. Chick
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherRisa Shibata
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

When children turn two, they become interested in many different songs, learn them quickly, and sing lots of them.

It’s an age when they can really feel how fun it is to sing.

This time, we’ve gathered many recommended songs for two-year-olds.

We’ve included seasonal songs and hand-play songs, so please try to find a favorite that your children will love.

Once they know a variety of songs, they might start requesting, “I want to sing that one!”Singing time will become much more enjoyable!

[Childcare] Songs 2-year-olds will love singing! Recommended Song Collection (11–20)

Donguri KorokoroLyrics by: Sadao Yanada / Music by: Tsuneyoshi Aoki

Nursery Rhyme/Children’s Song Medley [29 Songs, 27 Minutes] (Teaching Materials for Nursery Teachers/School Teachers)

Donguri Korokoro Lyrics: Tei Yanada / Music: Tsuneyoshi Aoki

Watch “Donguri Korokoro” (Lyrics: Tei Yari / Composition: Tsunayoshi Aoki) on YouTube

“Donguri Korokoro” is a long-loved song that depicts an acorn tumbling into a pond and the fun of playing with a loach.

To help the scenes come to life, introducing a sketchbook theater or paper puppets is also recommended.

The acorn that plays freely and then cries at the sad farewell to the loach somehow overlaps with the image of children.

It’s also nice to enjoy acorn-hunting after singing the song.

If you draw faces on the acorns you’ve picked, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind acorn in the world!

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Fruit TarōYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Fruit Boy Taro (with Mother) – Song: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

Fruit Taro Hanada Yuichiro, Nagata Maya

A whole bunch of different “Taros”—like Peach Taro, Banana Taro, Strawberry Taro, and Cherry Taro—show up, jostle each other shoulder to shoulder, and end up in tears.

Those tears mix together to become mixed juice and special juice in this energetic and humorous song.

This is “Kudamono Taro,” which appeared as the May 2022 monthly song on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.

The lyrics and illustrations are by picture-book author Yume Okuhara, and the composition is by BearGround, also known for the music in the puppet show “Garapiko Pu.” With its vividly colorful visuals and upbeat, fun melody, it’s a track that really grabs children’s hearts!

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Song of the EarthYuuichirou Hanada

[Okaasan to Issho January 2023 Song] “Song of the Earth” Cover

The Earth’s Song by Yuichiro Hanada

This is the January 2023 song from “Okaasan to Issho,” featuring a friendly, energetic melody and a message to keep singing “the Earth’s loving song” forever.

“Chikyuu no Uta” (The Earth’s Song) was written and composed by Osamu Sakata, the 7th “Uta no Onii-san,” and carries a warm message that children will continue to sing this love song from the Earth.

Arranged by Takeshi Ike, the bright, refreshing arrangement truly shines.

The video, set in a white studio sprinkled with colorful animation, makes it a pop masterpiece that will have both adults and children wanting to sing and dance along.

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Ho-re!Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

[Okaasan to Issho October 2022 Song] “Ho-Re!” (Covered by UtaSuta)

Ho-re! Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

A lively, fun song that feels like a vegetable party, with lots of root vegetables bursting out—carrots, beets, daikon radishes, potatoes, burdock, lotus root, and more.

This is “Ho-Re!” from NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, which debuted in October 2022.

The shout “Hore!” playfully blends “hore!” meaning “dig!” with the flamenco cry “olé,” creating a rhythm full of fun that makes you want to dance along, ho-re ho-re! The lyrics are by copywriter and children’s song writer Nagae Kuwabara, and the music is by guitarist and arranger Harumitsu Ishikawa.

In a video that mixes animation and live action, you can enjoy a make-believe farm feel—an upbeat track bursting with smiles and energy.

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Mushi-Mushi FestivalYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Mushi Mushi Festival (Okaasan to Issho) - Vocals: NEUTRINO (with lyrics)

Mushimushi Festival Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya

A song that makes you want to sway your body and groove to the rhythm! Let me introduce “Mushi Mushi Festival.” Its charm lies in the adorable, insect-themed lyrics.

It’s perfect for kids who love looking at bugs or are into bug-hunting as their current craze.

The song was performed in June 2023, with lyrics and music by Tetsu Kashiwa.

The unique lyrics are delightful and easy for children to remember.

Since the names of insects appear in the lyrics, kids will likely get excited when their favorite bug shows up!

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Applause for you!Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata, Makoto Fukuo, Anzuki Akimoto

[Okaasan to Issho February 2023 Song] “Kimi ni Hakushu!” Cover

Applause for you! Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata, Makoto Fukuo, Anzuki Akimoto

Clapping serves as the motif for a bright, refreshing cheer song, “Kimi ni Hakushu!” which appeared as the February 2023 song on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho.

The lyrics were written by the unit “Aritarou,” and the composition was handled by Taro Masuda himself.

Its rhythmic melody and handclaps resonate with fun! The lyrics are filled with positive phrases like “A round of applause for the one I love,” “A round of applause for being born,” and “A round of applause for the miracle that we met,” making it a song that brings energy and gratitude to both children and adults.

Be sure to listen while clapping along with your kids!

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[Childcare] Fun songs for 2-year-olds to sing! Recommended song selection (21–30)

All set and ready to go!Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Junbi Bantantan — Live-action Dance — With Mother — May 2023 Monthly Song / E Tele — NHK

All set and ready! Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Let me introduce “Junbi Bantantan!”, a song that cheers kids on as they get ready in the morning and at night.

It’s very rhythmic and easy to remember.

It appeared as the May 2023 monthly song on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” With its fresh, bright melody, it became popular as a tune that makes parents and children want to hum along while getting ready.

The lyrics are by Momi Fujimoto, and the music is by Tetsuro Oda, a producer behind many J-pop hits.

It’s an energetic song that brightens up families’ daily routines.

If kids get ready while singing, it might boost their mood, too!

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