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

To the Sun in the Palm of Your HandLyrics by Takashi Yanase / Music by Taku Izumi

[Children’s Song] Te no Hira o Taiyō ni ♪

A perfect children’s song for the brilliantly shining summer sun is “Tenohira o Taiyō ni” (Hold Your Palms to the Sun).

The lyrics were written by Takashi Yanase, creator of Anpanman, and the music was composed by Taku Izumi, who worked on many songs including the theme for “Tetsuko’s Room.” Joy and sadness, encounters with all kinds of friends and living creatures—this song deeply reminds us that these seemingly ordinary things are only possible because we are alive.

Although it’s a song for children, adults may feel it in a different, moving way.

There’s choreography that matches the lyrics, too, so sing and dance with all your energy and enjoy this moment of being alive!

Mitsuya Cider

[Hand Play] ♪ Mitsuya Cider <with choreography>

The educational duo Mana & Yuu—Mana Onochi (known as “Mana”) and Yuki Hamasaki (known as “Yuu”)—run the popular educational YouTube channel “Manayuu Channel,” which features lots of children’s songs and hand-play activities that kids can enjoy.

This time, with summer as the theme, let’s introduce a song about Mitsuya Cider, the first beverage that comes to mind for many when thinking of summer.

The cute choreography that expresses the fizzy carbonation is sure to delight children.

The lyrics also include counting—one, two, three—so it’s great for helping little ones learn numbers.

Yokai ShiritoriLyrics by: Okuhara Yume / Music by: Tane Tomoko

Youkai Shiritori / With Mother (Covered by UtaSuta) [Cute Ghost Animation]

The yokai challenge the so-called “Yokai Professor,” who supposedly knows everything about monsters, to a shiritori showdown.

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Set to a slightly eerie minor key and a thumping, resonant bassline, the rapid-fire, rhythmic string of yokai names somehow makes your heart race with excitement.

From the smug opening that screams confidence, you can gradually see them getting cornered and flustered, and when they finally lose and sulk, the yokai are irresistibly cute and endearing.

It’s a song you’ll want to sing together while bantering with your kids.

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

When you look at the fluffy clouds floating in the beautiful blue summer sky, don’t they start to look like all kinds of pictures? From those clouds drifting across the sky begins the exciting, heart-pounding adventure of the children’s song “Let’s Draw on the Blue Sky.” The lyrics are packed with the thrill of setting off to travel the world on a ship drawn by the clouds! The lively shouts that pop up in the song are sure to make kids want to imitate them.

Look up at the sky and the clouds, let your dreams grow, and sing out with all your energy!

It's starting! (Summer ver.)

[Hand Play] It's Starting! Summer Version — Recommended for Kindergartens, Daycare Centers, and Practicums!

“Hajimaruyo” is a classic hand-play song at kindergartens and nurseries.

If you try singing it with summer-themed lyrics, you might boost the summer mood and have even more fun.

With one finger held up, the lyrics go from 1 to 5: 1 is a drum, 2 is a water gun, 3 is a shooting star, 4 is a fan, and 5—perfect for the finale—represents fireworks.

From festivals and water play to grand fireworks displays, these lyrics let you fully enjoy summer, and kids are sure to love it.

You can also add your own original verses to make it even more fun.

Oh, oops.Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata / Music by Akira Yuyama

Hot, hot—I can’t help it! Lyrics by Hiroo Sakata, music by Akira Yuyama. Hot hot hot!

The song’s thumping, bouncy rhythm is intriguing, and even from the title you can imagine the sweltering, sweaty heat of midsummer.

There are many children’s songs about summer, but this one stands out for its playful, rhyme-heavy word choices that feel almost like rap, and its rhythmic feel makes it fun to sing.

It’s a track you’ll want to belt out together, with feeling, on an unbearably hot midsummer day.

Watermelon-producing region

Watermelon’s Famous Region — Songs and Nursery Rhymes to Enjoy in July — #play #childcare #nurseryTeacher #children #athomeplay #musicplay #songplay #eurhythmics #introduction #nurseryrhyme #summer #July #infants #toddlers #piano #song

Speaking of summer, it’s got to be watermelon! That’s a classic line from way back, right? The repeating, distinctive lyrics are the secret to why kids love it.

When I see the children’s beaming smiles as they do the hand motions to this song, I can’t help but feel that a fun summer has arrived! You can enjoy it not only with hand play, but also by dancing with your whole body—together with lots of friends!