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[Preschool] Recommended choral pieces for 3-year-olds

In nursery schools and kindergartens, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to sing together—not just during daily activities, but also at events like recitals and music festivals.

Choral singing is a wonderful activity: children can feel the joy of singing, strengthen their sense of unity with friends, and deepen their interest in seasons and events.

We’d like to incorporate a variety of songs so that children grow fond of music and come to love singing.

So this time, we’re introducing recommended choral songs for 3-year-olds (the youngest class).

We’ve gathered lots of lively, energetic pieces that suit 3-year-olds, along with many cute songs.

Find a lovely piece that matches your class’s character, and have fun singing together!

[Childcare] Recommended Choir Songs for 3-Year-Olds (41–50)

Oh, the ranch is green.

Oh, the pasture is green — oh, the pasture is green; over the sea of grass the wind blows~ (with gestures)
Oh, the ranch is green.

Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.

They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.

Lovely WonderlandShimajirō

Lovely Wonderland - Kodomo Challenge [Shimajiro Channel Official]
Lovely Wonderland Shimajiro

Set to a bright, rhythmic melody, this song celebrates children’s spirit of adventure and the joy of discovering something new every day.

It portrays the entire Earth as a wonderful place of adventure for kids, spreading a warm, inclusive world where everyone can dance together and have fun.

It was included on the DVD “Shimajiro no Wao!” released in February 2015 and is also used in the dance segment of the TV program.

The song is memorable for Shimajiro and his friends energetically singing and dancing in nature.

It’s perfect for enjoying with children at nursery and kindergarten events, as well as for dance time at home.

Playful Love Ai AiYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

[Together with Mother] Playful Love Ai-Ai ♪ | Tsukiuta | covered by UtaSta | video by UtaSta | Makes babies stop crying | Songs that make babies happy | Nursery rhymes | Children's songs
Playful love ai-ai Yuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata

Let me introduce a warm, cat-themed song featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho.” Sung by Yuichiro Hanada and Maya Nagata, this piece charms with its bright, cheerful melody that depicts cats playfully frolicking together.

Since February 2025, it has been broadcast as the show’s “Song of the Month,” with the brother-and-sister singing duo transforming into cats and performing rhythmic choreography on the program.

Filled with the feelings of Hanada, a devoted cat lover who lives with five cats, this song is perfect for moving your body to the music together with your child!

Full of dreamsYumiko Seki

Its refreshing melody brims with kindness and dreams, and the vocals—filled with the children’s wholehearted excitement—are truly captivating.

You can feel the desire to cherish the spirited feelings from childhood while enjoying encounters with new friends and the thrill of adventure.

In harmony with Yumiko Seki’s translucent voice, each day feels fun and pure emotions overflow.

Released in April 1990, this work captured the hearts of audiences from children to adults as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s the perfect cheer song for energetic kids who can quickly make friends in a new environment.

Being human is niceLyrics by Akari Yamaguchi / Music by Asei Kobayashi

Ningen tte ii na – Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi with lyrics, full, high quality audio
Ningen tte Iina Lyrics by Akari Yamaguchi / Music by Asei Kobayashi

As a heartwarming, fun song to sing, “Ningen tte Ii na” is also recommended.

It’s known as the ending theme of the anime Manga Nihon Mukashi Banashi (Japanese Folktales).

In recent years, reruns and DVD releases of the anime have brought it back into the spotlight.

The lyrics, which depict human life from the perspective of animals, not only warm the heart but also offer a chance to rediscover the happiness in everyday life.

When singing it as a chorus, try building excitement around the final phrase.

The railroad tracks go on forever.American folk song

The Railroad Tracks Go On Forever (with Movements) / I’ve Been Working on the Railroad [Japanese Song / Shoka]
The Railroad Goes On Forever (American folk song)

It’s a children’s song that has been loved by people of all ages for many years, with lyrics full of dreams and hope and a soaring, beautiful melody that really stands out.

Its march-like rhythm, reminiscent of a fast-running locomotive, makes it easy for train-loving kids to enjoy and sing with energy.

Originally, it was the American folk song “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” to which lyricist Saki Satoshi added Japanese lyrics.

It’s also fun to sing while moving in a line like a pretend train, just like everyone playing train together!

Let's take a step into the future

Shimajiro movie insert song “♪ Let’s Take a Step Toward the Future” [Official Shimajiro Channel]
Let's take a step into the future

A bright, lively Shima Jiro song about the importance of friendship was born in March 2013 as an insert song for the film “Shimajiro and Fufu’s Great Adventure: Save the Rainbow Flower!” It gently conveys the feelings of the protagonists as they set out on a new journey, and its warm vocals—giving courage to take a step toward the future—leave a lasting impression.

The song has also become popular on the TV program “Shimajiro no Wao!” and makes children’s hearts bounce with joy.

It’s a fun tune that shines in many settings, from dancing at nursery and kindergarten events to singing together as a family.

It’s a reassuring companion that cheers on those first steps in a new environment.