[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs

A Drop of Star

A Drop of a Star – With Mother – July 2021 Song

With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.

If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.

Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.

You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.

It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.

Magic Shoes

Magic Shoes - With Mother (Okaasan to Issho) July 2016 Song (Covered by UtaSta)

Listening to it makes you feel positive—“Magic Shoes” is the perfect song for the start of summer when you want to try something new! It’s also popular with children and teachers.

The lyric “put on your magic shoes” is so adorable, isn’t it? It’s a thrilling song that makes you feel like taking on new challenges or going out somewhere.

With its bright tempo, try singing it together while happily chatting about your favorite shoes.

Yokai Shiritori

Yokai Shiritori [Uta no Mama Papa] Nursery Rhyme, Hand Play, With Mother

The song “Yokai Shiritori” features all kinds of yokai in its lyrics.

Listen closely to hear which yokai appear.

Since it’s structured as shiritori, you might also enjoy it as a kind of wordplay.

It could be fun to ask the children which yokai they like and work their original yokai names into the song to get everyone excited.

It’s a tune that can be enjoyed in many settings, such as summer festivals or overnight daycare events in the summer.

By all means, try creating a new yokai song together with the children.

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!