Lovely childcare

[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes 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.

For children, hand-play songs where they sing and interact with familiar adults and friends are so much fun.

Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes are said to have a very positive effect on children’s brain and emotional development.

It’s something we’d love to incorporate a lot into everyday life.

So this time, we’re introducing hand-play songs and nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together.

From classic tunes everyone has heard to popular songs sung in daycare centers and kindergartens, there’s a lot to choose from!

Please try to find songs you can enjoy together that match your children’s age and interests.

Many of these songs have a good tempo and catchy melodies or phrases, so they’re easy to learn right away!

[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection (21–30)

Let's clap our handsLyrics: Junichi Kobayashi / Original: Czech folk song

Let's Clap Our Hands – Let's clap our hands, tan-tan-tan, tan-tan-tan~ [Hand Play / Children's Song]

Let's Clap Our Hands Lyrics: Junichi Kobayashi / Original Tune: Czech Folk Song

This warm song expresses joy beginning with the simple act of clapping, naturally resonating with children’s hearts.

With Japanese lyrics by Junichi Kobayashi set to a Czech folk melody, it features an easy-to-remember tune and friendly words, and is often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens.

It has also been featured on NHK educational programs and in collections of children’s songs, remaining beloved across generations.

Because the clapping motion helps develop a sense of rhythm and motor skills, it serves not only as a tool for parent-child communication but is also an ideal piece for recreational activities in senior care facilities.

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Banana Parent and ChildLyrics by Kazuo Seki / Music by Wakako Fukuda

Banana Parent and Child [Song Mom and Dad] Together with Mother Children's Song Hand Play

Parent and Child Bananas Lyrics: Kazuo Seki / Music: Wakako Fukuda

A simple song depicting a parent-and-child pair of bananas living on a southern island.

Its gentle melody conveys the bond between parent and child, and the rhythmic, easy-to-remember lyrics leave a strong impression.

After airing on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 1982, it was included on the albums “Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album” and “NHK Okaasan to Issho 40 Years: Best 100 Songs,” winning the hearts of many.

With its bright, cheerful rhythm, it’s a song you can move your body to while singing, making it perfect for indoor fun even on rainy days.

Ideal for singing with family, or with friends at daycare or kindergarten.

Give it a try on a rainy day when spirits tend to sink.

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (with gestures)

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.

How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.

The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.

Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.

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Wonderful dadLyrics and composition: Keiko Maeda

Lovely Daddy [Song] Lyrics and Music: Keiko Maeda

Wonderful DadLyrics and Music by Keiko Maeda

A song characterized by a warm melody and simple, down-to-earth rhythm.

It’s written in a range that’s easy for children to sing, and its affectionate lyrics resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2009, the piece has been included in compilation albums of children’s songs, and various creators have released arranged versions as well.

It’s a perfect song for cherished family moments at home, for singing time in nurseries and kindergartens, and for Father’s Day events—any occasion that celebrates family.

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Are you good at brushing your teeth?Lyrics by Fujiwo Enoki / Music by Wakako Fukuda

Are You Good at Brushing Your Teeth? / With Mother (Covered by UtaSta) [Make Brushing Fun!]

Is Brushing Your Teeth Going Well? Lyrics by Fujio Enoki / Music by Wakako Fukuda

This is an adorable song designed to make toothbrushing time fun.

Featured on the NHK educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” it has been beloved since the 1980s, with a bright, lighthearted melody that stands out.

Its upbeat tempo naturally makes children want to move, and within the show it has become established as the cue for brushing teeth.

With lyrics and choreography that make everyday habits like handwashing and toothbrushing enjoyable, it’s sure to capture children’s interest.

Just like on the show, it’s also recommended as a signal to start toothbrushing time at home.

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Animal Exercises 1-2-3Lyrics and Music: Naomi Abe

Animal Exercise 1-2-3 (with moves) - The rabbit’s exercise goes boing-boing, boing-boing-boing-boing~ [exercise]

Animal Exercise 1-2-3 Lyrics and Music by Naomi Abe

A charming exercise song that lets kids joyfully move their bodies, taking inspiration from animal gestures.

It starts with a gentle rhythm and is packed with ideas that naturally make children want to move—jumping together to the music, swinging their arms wide—while helping develop their motor skills.

It has frequently been featured on popular preschool TV shows like NHK Educational’s “Inai Inai Baa!” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and covers by various artists have also drawn attention.

Perfect not only for sports days and morning exercise time, but also for celebrating Children’s Day with the whole family.

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Goodbye, ankoro mochi.

Children’s song game “Goodbye, Ankoromochi”

Goodbye, ankoro mochi.

A playful wordplay centered on the traditional Japanese sweets “ankoro mochi” and “kinako,” imbued with the wish to meet again, leaves a strong impression.

By singing with hand games and gestures, it nurtures children’s creativity and communication skills.

In nursery schools and kindergartens, puppets are often used to perform it so that children can enjoy their farewell time.

Passed down for many years as a traditional song, this piece has been included in numerous childcare-related books and CDs as a teaching material that supports children’s emotional development.

It’s also a recommended song for parents and children to enjoy singing together while experiencing Japan’s traditional culture.

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