Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
Many teachers are likely searching for choral songs to sing at year-round class presentations and events.
Here, we introduce songs that are perfect for creating memorable moments in children’s hearts.
We’ve gathered plenty of tunes that four-year-olds can enjoy singing—bright and lively songs, songs that convey gentle feelings, and songs everyone can sing together while holding hands.
By singing together at a recital, children will surely encounter wonderful songs that let them feel the joy of cooperation and a sense of unity.
Please use this as a guide to find the perfect song for your children.
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Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of moving song ideas for middle preschoolers’ recitals (11–20)
Small WorldLyrics/Composition: Robert Sherman, Richard Sherman
This is the theme song that plays on Disney’s attraction “It’s a Small World.” It’s sung all over the world, and even little children are likely familiar with it.
I’ve heard that when the song was first written it was a ballad, but now it’s arranged as an upbeat tune, making it perfect for kids.
There are several Japanese lyric versions, so feel free to choose the translation you like.
It’s also nice to come up with simple choreography, or sing along while playing bells or castanets.
Friends are a good thing.Lyrics by Tokiko Iwatani / Music by Takashi Miki
Written by lyricist Tokiko Iwatani and composed by Takashi Miki, this song is a heartwarming message piece that celebrates the importance of friendship.
With its gentle melody and easy-to-remember lyrics, it resonates with children.
Released in February 1977 as a number in Shiki Theatre Company’s musical “Yuta and the Mysterious Companions,” it has since been widely used in choral competitions and as a teaching resource in schools.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of helping one another as friends, are easy for four-year-old children to understand, and singing it together helps strengthen bonds.
It’s perfect for nursery and kindergarten performances, as well as for everyday singing and enjoyment with children.
Happy ChildrenLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
If you’re looking for a song that can unite the preschoolers on stage and the attending parents in the audience, we recommend “Happy Children.” It’s sure to create the excitement of a live concert.
The lyrics, with lines like “When we talk with children, everyone becomes happy; when we watch children, everyone smiles,” are easy to remember, and the fun melody naturally gets your body moving.
The chorus—where the title “Happy Children” appears in the lyrics—is the biggest highlight.
The call-and-response between the stage and the audience is so much fun! If you’re unsure which song to choose, this is one you should definitely listen to at least once.
rainbowLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
With its added movements that everyone can sing along to, “Niji” is a simple, nostalgic song.
When it rains, we sometimes feel sad because we can’t hang the laundry or the events we were looking forward to get postponed.
But when a beautiful rainbow appears in the sparkling sky after the rain, those gloomy feelings seem to vanish like a lie.
Even children who don’t like rain will surely start looking forward to the clear-up after singing this song! Give it a try on a rainy day when your spirits tend to sink.
Children around the worldLyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
This children’s song comes from the golden duo: lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.
It was created in 1988, and ever since, children have loved singing it.
The tempo is lively and the rhythm is fun.
By singing it, children engage with the lyrics and have a chance to learn that there are many kids and friends around the world—that’s one of its strengths.
Rather than just memorizing it, using the lyrics as a starting point for conversation can also be a great opportunity for children.
I want to become the sun.Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, this song is by the same duo behind the popular “Sekai-ju no Kodomotachi ga” (“Children of the World”).
It’s easy to learn and has meaningful lyrics, so it’s recommended as a choral piece.
Singing its positive words can lift spirits and create a bright, joyful mood.
Besides recitals, it’s also great to sing when new children join the kindergarten, directing the song to them.
It’s a good idea not only to sing but also to explain the meaning of the lyrics in an easy-to-understand way.
Choral pieces that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of song ideas (21–30) that resonate at middle-year preschool recitals
Surely a miracleYuichiro Hanada, Maya Nagata
Perfect for spring, new beginnings, and the new school term—here’s an introduction to “Kitto Kiseki,” a song parents and children will want to listen to together.
Some listeners may find courage and hope in the message woven into the lyrics.
The song is being presented as the Song of April 2025.
Of course it suits the season of new encounters in spring, but it’s also a great listen when you’re feeling down or after a quarrel with a friend—it may help you feel gratitude for the people you meet and a sense of destiny.
It might even turn your attention to encounters with animals and nature beyond humans.
What a wonderful song.