Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes
Here are nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs for August that you can sing and enjoy! We’ve got a full lineup: songs that capture the fun of summer, tunes about tasty foods you’ll crave in the heat, and songs perfect for August events.
We also introduce tracks you can enjoy with fingerplays and dances, so try using them for indoor play during the sweltering summer or for activities in childcare settings.
Many are classic summer songs that have been passed down for generations, making them perfect for family time at home as well.
Teach children summer songs and enjoy a delightful time together while reminiscing about the past!
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- [Childcare] Recommended songs and nursery rhymes for November: Fun autumn fingerplay songs
- Collection of winter nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs. Includes fun winter hand-play songs too.
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- [Snow Songs for Winter] Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes and Hand-Play Songs
- A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.
[Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August] Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs & Hand-Play Songs (41–50)
Let's dance, Ondo!
This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.
The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.
The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.
With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.
The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.
A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.
Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.
Tanuki Lord's Ondo
“Tanuki no Tonosama Ondo” is a playful ondo that portrays the cheerful world of tanuki.
The song weaves in humorous scenes, inviting dancers to move as if enjoying a story.
Its tempo is calm yet easy to follow, making it perfect for Bon Odori.
The vocals are gentle, creating a soothing atmosphere that children can sing along to with ease.
Traditional Japanese instruments envelop the piece, giving it a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
The choreography—like handclaps and the tanuki’s tummy-patting—makes movements easy to express, welcoming participants of all ages.
This song, which lets you experience the tanuki’s delightful tale through music and dance, will color a memorable moment of summer.
The frog’s fluteLyrics by Nobuo Saito / Music by Minoru Kainuma
“Kaeru no Fue” (The Frog’s Flute) is a Japanese children’s song that premiered on NHK radio in August 1946 (Showa 21).
The line “Let’s go home because the crow is cawing” actually came after “Let’s go home because the frogs are croaking” in song history.
It makes me realize just how closely frogs have long been connected with children’s lives and play.
The chorus of frogs echoing against the backdrop of a summer sunset may be a uniquely Japanese and deeply cherished sentiment.
A tadpole is a frog’s child.Lyrics by Kunihiro Taniguchi / Music by Hirotaka Nakagawa
Speaking of August, it’s the height of the season when the tadpoles that hatched in spring have all turned into frogs and are hopping about! Among frogs, there are even some curious species whose tadpoles are huge, but become small once they turn into frogs.
Try singing “Otamajakushi wa Kaeru no Ko” and see for yourself!
We are children of the sea.Monbushō Shōka (Ministry of Education Songs)
“Ware wa Umi no Ko” often plays in commercials during the summer, doesn’t it? While the children’s song “Umi” mainly highlights the ocean’s vastness and gentleness, “Ware wa Umi no Ko,” which also sings of the sea, brings its power to the forefront.
You can almost see the spray of the waves.
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.
Story Finger
Something kids are sure to love! Here are some ideas for “Ohanashi Yubisan.” On hot summer days, you probably spend more time indoors, right? We recommend using “Ohanashi Yubisan” as an introduction before physical play, picture books, or craft activities.
Children will be captivated by the movements and singing of teachers or parents, and their attention will naturally gather.
Another nice benefit is that they can learn the names of their fingers while playing! Give it a try.