[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs
When the rainy season ends, summer finally arrives! Here, we’ll introduce a variety of children’s songs to help you enjoy the season.
We’ve gathered songs that kids love, as well as hand-play songs often sung in nurseries and kindergartens.
Listening to these songs will make you look forward to the long-awaited summer even more.
Hand-play songs are also fun for little ones, so be sure to incorporate them into your childcare activities.
While the days will be getting hotter, some children’s songs can make you feel cooler just by listening.
Enjoy a fun-filled summer together with the children!
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[Childcare] Summer Songs: Full of Fun! Summer Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Clapping Songs (51–60)
Story Finger
Something kids are sure to love! Here are some ideas for “Ohanashi Yubisan.” On hot summer days, you probably spend more time indoors, right? We recommend using “Ohanashi Yubisan” as an introduction before physical play, picture books, or craft activities.
Children will be captivated by the movements and singing of teachers or parents, and their attention will naturally gather.
Another nice benefit is that they can learn the names of their fingers while playing! Give it a try.
The fish jumps.
A refreshing hand game! Let me share some ideas for “Sakana ga Hanete” (Fish Jumping).
When you think of summer, many people probably imagine watersides like rivers and the sea, right? This is a unique fish-themed hand game you’ll want to use before fish-related crafts or dances.
Before starting the game, it could be fun to ask the children how they would react if a fish suddenly jumped—boing!—out of the water.
In this playful activity, fish hop onto different parts of the body and stick there, then keep transforming one after another—such a unique hand game!
Happy Children
It’s sure to bring a smile! Let me introduce the idea of “Happy Children.” When the temperature stays high, both adults and kids tend to get tired easily.
Many of you are probably thinking about activities that incorporate exercise to help build stamina.
How about using “Happy Children” as a warm-up before activities like jump rope or tag? The lyrics and rhythm are perfect for children, and since it has choreography too, it should help lower the risk of injury compared to jumping straight into exercise.
your smile
Bright and uplifting, “Kimi no Egao” is a feel-good song that won’t be defeated even by a rainy day.
Try singing it with the children, making eye contact and smiling.
Adding gestures and movements can make it even more fun to sing.
Pay attention to the lyrics, too—they’ll fill you with energy that won’t lose to the summer heat.
It’s perfect for singing under the glittering summer sun.
Sing this heart-boosting song and share the importance of smiles with the children.
Let’s all sing it together with lots of energy!
[Childcare] Summer songs. Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & hand-play songs (61–70)
Zebra Swirl
The rhythmic and fun “Zebra Swirl” also features lyrics that are easy for children to remember.
Let’s sing along to the cute, rhythmic words.
The repeated phrases may match the zebra’s stripes and the song’s background, capturing children’s attention.
Try singing to the rhythm while feeling the melody’s lively yet somehow nostalgic vibe.
You might broaden the fun by first asking, “What around us looks like stripes?” and then singing the song.
Tonton Tomato-chan
With its gentle vocals and refreshing melody, “Ton-ton Tomato-chan” is perfect as a July children’s song! Speaking of summer vegetables, there are tomatoes, cucumbers, and more.
Celebrating the tomato, which is delicious even in summer, “Ton-ton Tomato-chan” has a pleasant rhythm and is a nursery rhyme that even babies from 0 years old can enjoy.
Its comfortable tempo also makes it a relaxing song.
It’s also recommended to move your body to the music with kids while holding maracas or handmade instruments.
Have fun with it!
Norimaki Pera Pari Ondo
The song “Norimaki Perapari Ondo,” which kids love, is a perfect summer tune and comes highly recommended for festival bon dances.
The catchy “perapari perapari” lyrics have a lively tempo that gives the intro a sense that something fun is about to begin.
The dance is simple and easy to learn, so children around age three can enjoy dancing to it as well.
It’s perfect for the summer festival season, too.
Dressing in yukata or jinbei to enjoy the festivities is a great idea.
Be sure to sing it and make it part of your summer memories.