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

Go! Go! PoolTakeru-kun & Mei-chan & Takemei Papa

[Summer Song] Go! Go! Pool ~Let’s Go to the Pool!~

The lyrics, which capture the excitement of heading to the pool and the fun of splashing around, are perfect for making summer memories! This work was released around the summer of 2022 by “Takemei Story,” a family YouTuber based in Shizuoka Prefecture.

It’s wonderful not only because it’s fun, but also because it cleverly adds meaningful learning into play.

Before heading out to the pool, get everyone in the family singing to boost the mood, or pretend you’re at the pool by dancing at home—let’s enjoy a lively, energetic summer!

Groovy WakameHiromichi & Tanizo

Groovy Wakame

It’s a very unique dance song that sings about wakame seaweed freely swaying under the sea.

The track is included on the children’s album “Piyo Piyo March ~ Hiromichi & Tanizō: Even 0, 1, and 2-Year-Olds Can Nail It! Sports Day & Recital ~,” released in March 2016.

Wiggle your body and stretch your arms and legs as you and your child become wakame and dance together.

This piece lets you experience the joy of moving your body while singing, making it perfect for sports days and school performances!

We are little pirates!Hiromichi & Tanizo

[Dance] We’re Little Pirates! [A Must-See for Preschool Teachers!] [Supervised by Hiromichi & Tanizou]

This is a lively dance song that’s also used at nursery and kindergarten sports festivals.

It was first introduced on the album “Hiromichi & Tanizou’s It’s Sports Day—Let’s Go Big!” released in March 2011.

The lyrics, about becoming little pirates and setting off on adventures with your friends, are wonderfully bold! Along with the comical and easy-to-learn choreography, dance as if you’re the hero of the story! Move your bodies together as parent and child, and nurture cooperation and a spirit of challenge.

Jiggly Wiggly Pool ExercisesKero Pons + Tomohiko Fujimoto

Jiggly Pool Exercise

This is a gymnastics song that captures the excitement you feel right before getting into the pool.

Set to the fun sound of “puru puru,” which evokes the chill of the water and the shiver in your body, it makes you want to move along.

The track is included on the album “Harunatsu Aki Fuyu: Gyōji Asobi Daisakusen!” released in July 2014.

It’s widely used as a warm-up exercise in preschools and kindergartens before summer pool activities begin.

Why not sing it together as a parent and child to express the growing anticipation of kids who can’t wait for water play?

Sea MarchKeropons Puppies

Umi March / Keropons & Puppies (Ryuzo Fukuda & Sukanpo) [Dance]

This is a lively, march-style play song where you energetically parade with sea creatures.

It’s included on the album “Hello! Asobi-uta,” created by Keropons and Puppies, a unit born from the early childhood education field.

The choreography—twirling around while imitating sea animals, as if adventuring under the sea—is super cute! It’s perfect not only for sports festivals and school performances, but also for getting active at home.

Dancing together as a parent and child is sure to bring out children’s sparkling smiles.

Kaikaizokuzoku Pirate SongBonbon Academy × Daisuke Yokoyama

[Collab Vol. 2] Kaikai Zokuzoku: The Pirate Song / BonBon Academy × Daisuke Yokoyama

This is a collaborative song by BonBon Academy and Daisuke Yokoyama that makes you want to set off on an adventure as a spirited pirate.

It tells the charming story of a lovable pirate who aims for Treasure Island without giving in to big waves, yet shows a slightly timid side.

The piece is included on Daisuke Yokoyama’s album “Egao ni Dokkyuun!” released in April 2024.

Sing and dance while playing pirate, and your home, daycare, or kindergarten will quickly turn into a ship setting out to find Treasure Island!

Swirling SunflowerLyrics and Music: Boku to Kimi

[July August Summer Hand Play] Round-and-Round Sunflower 〈Must Read〉 Tips and variations for use in childcare are listed in the description below ↓ Lyrics/Music: Boku to Kimi.

A perfect hand-play song for summer by “Boku to Kimi,” who know the world of childcare and child-rearing support inside and out.

Like sunflowers that bloom energetically toward the sun, the simple motion of rotating your arms round and round brings smiles to children’s faces.

This song was introduced in a video prior to 2017 and has not been released on CD, but it has long been loved as a summer staple in childcare settings.

You can enjoy it a cappella without instruments, so start by rotating your arms to match the lyrics.

Once you get used to it, try spinning your whole body—feel free to adapt it based on the children’s reactions and have fun!