Recommended children's songs and hand play songs for October! Music time in childcare that feels like autumn.

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat

[Hand play] Kobuta Nuki Tsuneko ♪ (Maatan)

This is the popular autumn hand-play song for children, “Kobuta Tanuki Kitsune Neko”! Kids imitate the animals that appear in the lyrics and copy their sounds as they play.

It’s very simple and fun to watch, so even infants can enjoy it.

When playing this song with preschoolers, try speeding it up as they get used to it.

It’s also fun to see who can keep up!

red dragonfly

Red Dragonfly - Saori Yuki, Shoko Yasuda (with lyrics) - Children’s song

This beautiful song, full of autumn atmosphere, is sung by people of all ages, from children to adults.

Composed by Kosaku Yamada, this classic has been cherished since its release in 1927 as a song that deeply resonates with many hearts.

Its gently drifting imagery and moving melody make it enjoyable to sing, even with hand motions.

It’s also easy to include as part of October activities at preschools.

Be sure to sing it together and enjoy a warm, comforting time.

Mr. Raccoon Dog of Genkotsu Mountain

[Hand Play] [Children’s Song] Genkotsuyama no Tanuki-san (Marika) 2

The traditional Japanese children’s song “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan.” It’s a very famous tune, so many people may still remember the hand motions.

You can enjoyably act out the tanuki’s day until it falls asleep through hand play.

The word “tanuki,” which somehow evokes an autumn feeling, is included, and as a hand-play song it’s a representative, familiar piece.

Sticky-bug bug

Stick-on Bug Bug: Interactive Play and Eurhythmics

“Hittsuki Mushi-Mushi” is a play song where you stick to something that matches the color mentioned in the lyrics.

Like the game “Color Tag,” kids love this kind of play! If you’re playing outside in November, choosing colors like red, brown, yellow, and black to match the seasonal scenery makes the game easier and adds a sense of the season—highly recommended.

Of course, it’s fun indoors too, so give it a try!

oden (Japanese stew with assorted ingredients such as daikon radish, tofu, fish cakes, and eggs simmered in a light soy-based broth)

[Fingerplay Song] Oden ♪ A fingerplay song that encourages speech

Oden is a hand-play song that combines the delicious winter dish “oden” with simple hand movements.

The ingredients in oden actually include lots of shapes like circles, triangles, and squares.

It’s a song that even children who can’t speak yet can enjoy, so we recommend first listening to it repeatedly.

For the circle, triangle, and square gestures, teachers at nurseries and kindergartens, as well as parents and children together, should try them in a hand-play style.

It’s even more fun if you sing while imagining a tasty bowl of oden!

Apple rolling

Fingerplay “Ringo Korokoro” — Childcare tips useful for practicums and training

Besides apples, various other foods appear in the hand-play song “Ringo Korokoro.” It’s a tune that infant and toddler classes are likely to enjoy, with movements themed to each food—shouting “Kyaa!” for cabbage, rubbing your arms for corn, and so on.

All the actions are simple enough for little ones to imitate, so try it out before mealtimes, for example.

The pose where the green pepper is crying—maybe that’s because many kids don’t like green peppers (haha).

The Bear of the Forest

“The Bear of the Forest” (with gestures) [Japanese Song / Shoka]

This song, well-known and beloved by many, is a children’s song based on an American folk tune.

It is a classic example of what’s called an echo song, where the group enjoys repeating the same lyrics in response to a leader’s call.

In Japan, it became widely known after being broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1972.

The song hides various charms, including lyrics that may seem curious at first glance.

Many parody versions have been created, and it’s often used in commercials as well.