Children’s Songs You Can Sing in August: Summer-Friendly Kids’ Songs and Fingerplay Rhymes

Ganbarappa☆Ganbarūn

Song: Ganbarappa☆Ganbaruun <with choreography> [Children’s Song, Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, Kids, Dance] Japanese Children’s Song, Nursery Rhymes

“Gambarappa☆Gambarūn” is an uplifting song that gives you energy in the summer.

Its rhythmic melody and lyrics make it really charming.

You’ll feel more energized as you sing, so try singing along with some hand claps.

For older and middle kindergarteners, it’s also recommended to use instruments like castanets to make it even more fun.

On hot days when playing outside isn’t possible, using instruments while enjoying the song can help the children feel more united and have an even better time together.

Sticky Samba

Neba-Neba Samba / July song from Okaasan to Issho. Cover: Otousan mo Issho, Yoko Ueno.

With its catchy tune that sticks in your head after just one listen, “Neba-Neba Samba” features melodies and lyrics that make you want to dance.

Along with the lyrics about “neba-neba” (sticky/slimy), lots of foods that evoke that texture appear.

It might be fun to imagine them and see how many you can find.

From around age two, it’s also recommended to ask questions like, “What kinds of sticky foods are there?” It could be enjoyable to include the song as part of summer food education as well.

Picnic

♪ Picnic <with gestures> Let's go over the hill while whistling a tune ~ ♪ [Children's song]

With its lively, energetic rhythm, “Picnic” is a sprightly song that makes you want to start walking.

Ducks, goats, dogs, and pigs appear in the lyrics.

Try singing while imitating their animal sounds! If you ask the children what sounds each animal makes before singing, they’ll be able to enjoy the song more while understanding its meaning.

Since it’s a song about heading to the fun place that is a picnic, sing it brightly and cheerfully with the children.

Yaho-ho

With hand motions: “Yaho-ho” – A popular song from Okaasan to Issho, children’s song, kids’ song

Lyrics that call out like “Yah-ho-ho!” are so much fun to sing, aren’t they? Some children might call out with energetic voices.

In those moments, try replying with a cheerful “Yah-ho!” like an echo—it makes things even more fun and is highly recommended.

Enjoy varying the volume of your voice, making it louder and softer.

Open your palms and add a motion as if you’re raising them toward the sun while you sing.

And at the end, try singing even more energetically!

Let's draw a picture in the blue sky.Lyrics by Kazumi Itsuki / Music by Hajime Kamishiba

[Children’s Song] Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky

A children’s song composed by Hajime Kamishiba and Kazumi Kazuki, “Let’s Paint a Picture in the Blue Sky.” Compared to other children’s songs, it’s not very well-known, but our research suggests that it’s also favored by adults.

That’s because, at first glance, the lyrics convey a bright, forward-looking message, yet the melody features occasional minor chords.

The contrast between the cheerful lyrics and the wistful melody creates a unique atmosphere.

That gap may be one reason it’s popular among adults.

Hearing this, you might think it’s aimed at grown-ups, but the vocal line is crafted with the simplicity typical of children’s songs, so even small children can enjoy singing it.

Somen, nyumen, chilled somen

[Warabe-uta] [Nyumen Somen] Introducing a nursery school kids’ favorite warabe-uta (traditional children’s song)!

When it comes to summer foods, the first thing that comes to mind is probably sōmen noodles.

Chilled sōmen—and nagashi-sōmen, with its playful element of catching noodles flowing in water—are quintessential symbols of summer.

This hand-play song that uses sōmen has been sung since long ago, but the lyrics are nonsensical and have a mysterious feel.

Pinching, rubbing, and tickling appeal to young children’s senses and make for a fun way to enjoy physical bonding.

Be sure to sing it while having fun with your child or friends.

To the Sun in the Palm of Your Hand

♪ With hand palms to the sun [with gestures] - We’re all alive, and because we’re alive, we sing 〜 ♪

Since it was featured on Minna no Uta in 1962, “Tenohira wo Taiyou ni” has been beloved by many children.

The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, with the music crafted by Mariko Miyagi.

The words, which portray the mystery and vitality of life, are sure to energize both singers and listeners.

Another charm of the song is how easy it is to add simple choreography that matches the lyrics, such as raising your hands or mimicking animals.

Adding movement while singing can help you immerse yourself even more in the world of the song.