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-and-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes compilation (51–60)

TulipLyrics by Miyako Kondo / Music by Takeshi Inoue

Tulip (with gestures) [Japanese song / shoka]

Tulips Lyrics: Miyako Kondo / Music: Takeshi Inoue

Don’t you ever feel a rush of excitement just from listening to children’s songs? With lyrics by Miyako Kondo and music by Takeshi Inoue, this piece is a beloved favorite among children, celebrating the arrival of spring when colorful flowers bloom.

The melody is easy to remember and the lyrics are simple, so children quickly find themselves humming along.

It was released in July 1932 and recorded the following year.

At kindergarten entrance ceremonies, it would be lovely for the current students to sing it to welcome the newcomers.

If everyone sings together, it will surely ease the nerves and make for a joyful ceremony!

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Spring came pop-pop-popLyrics by: Hikaru Kozue / Music by: Shinichiro Sako

♪ Pon pon pon, spring has come ♪

Pon Pon Pon, Spring Has Come — Lyrics: Hikaru Kozue / Music: Shinichiro Sako

Why not sing together a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring? Created by Mr.

Komichi Hikari and Mr.

Shinichiro Sako, this piece features lyrics that make rhythmic hand-play fun.

The spring-themed lyrics spark children’s imaginations, and the bright melody naturally makes you want to hum along.

Since it incorporates clapping motions, it’s perfect for developing a sense of rhythm and teamwork.

Singing it at entrance ceremonies or spring events can help ease the nerves of children who are anxious about a new environment.

Be sure to sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring!

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lazybonesnursery rhyme

Hamamatsu City: Introducing April's nursery rhymes for rhythmics (Eurhythmics)

Zukubonjo Children's Song

The children’s song handed down in Saga Prefecture has horsetail shoots as its theme, heralding the arrival of spring.

The lyrics call out to the sprouts as they peek up from the soil.

There are many ways to enjoy it—swaying together as parent and child or playing with a cloth, for example.

Reflecting the local culture, it is a cherished tradition passed down across generations.

It also seems to encourage interaction with springtime nature and promote rhythm and language development.

Widely enjoyed by various ages in nursery schools and kindergartens, it is a lovely song that expresses hopes for children’s healthy growth.

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Opened, openednursery rhyme

♪Opened, opened – Hiraita Hiraita | ♪Opened, opened, what flower has opened? [Japanese song / children’s song]

Opened, opened — a children's folk song

Long beloved as a traditional Japanese children’s song, this piece enchants with lyrics that evoke the arrival of spring.

Children enjoy joining hands to form a circle and act out flowers opening and closing.

Despite its simple words and melody, it embodies Japanese views of nature and impermanence, giving it profound appeal.

It is often sung in kindergartens and nursery schools, contributing to children’s emotional development.

Passed down since the Edo period, this song is recommended for those who want to feel the spring season or experience traditional Japanese culture.

Why not sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring together?

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[Parenting] Parent-Child Bonding! Hand-Play Songs and Traditional Nursery Rhymes (61–70)

Vegetable SongSatoko Yamano

♪Vegetable Song – Tomatoes go ton-ton-ton, cabbage goes kyak-kyak-kya~♪ <with gestures>

Vegetable Song by Satoko Yamano

Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.

With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.

Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.

This piece is included in many children’s music albums.

It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.

If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!

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Zuizui Zukkorobashichildren’s song

[Children’s Song] Zuizui Zukkorobashi · The Temple’s Head Priest [Hand Game]

Zui Zui Zukkorobashi nursery rhyme

A hand game that lots of people can enjoy together, for adults and children alike—people of any age.

The great thing about singing games is that anyone can join in, there are no tough rules or disparities in ability, and everyone can play and interact together.

“Zuizui Zukkorobashi” is a traditional children’s song that has long been loved, and you can enjoy a fun hand game along with the song.

A big group forms a circle, lines up, and touches hands in time with the music.

Clap, tap with your fingers, and strike a pose.

Playing this fun hand game with family or friends is sure to get everyone excited.

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Not bad, hoi! A children's songchildren’s song

Hiroba 2018 July Issue: “It’s time for movement play!” Nakana Ka Hoi! (traditional children’s song)

Quite the hoi! Nursery rhyme, nursery rhyme.

Traditional children’s songs that have been passed down for generations are still loved today as play that kids can fully enjoy for their rhythms, melodies, and ways to play.

With their relaxed, simple tempo and short length, they’re perfect for a little fun anytime—whether on your own or with friends.

You can add finger play or gestures, too.

It’s also nice to try playing with handmade props.

There are many possible arrangements, so there are countless ways to play.

Another charm is that they can be enjoyed together with older adults as well.

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