Ideas for Performances Recommended for 0-Year-Olds at Recitals and Play Events
For infants, it’s their very first performance day.
You may want parents and guardians to see the children’s everyday routines and growth, but many teachers might be wondering, “What kind of performance should we do?”
So this time, we’re sharing ideas for performance pieces that are perfect for 0-year-olds.
We’ve gathered lots of songs and fingerplays, exercises, and simple dances that match their developmental stage.
Try incorporating them into daily childcare and enjoy them together with the children.
It’s also recommended to customize based on the children’s reactions—call their names, add simple choreography, or even create parody lyrics.
Be sure to check out cute costumes and props for inspiration, too.
[Age 0] Ideas for Performances Recommended for Recitals and Play Events (1–10)
[Game] Penguin Penguin
![[Game] Penguin Penguin](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PxWcg4Sl9_A/sddefault.jpg)
The way one-year-olds walk and their round tummies are so much like adorable penguins, aren’t they? When they appear in penguin-like costumes, let’s have them fully become penguins to the music! Clapping hands, hopping lightly, wiggling their bottoms… their free and unique expressions are so cute you can’t take your eyes off them.
Whether striking lively poses or sitting on the teacher’s lap, they’ve surely grown so much within the one-year-old class.
It’s a performance that brings out each child’s individuality.
[Instrument] The Toy Cha-Cha-Cha
![[Instrument] The Toy Cha-Cha-Cha](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MomoQR5KJQ8/sddefault.jpg)
Why not enjoy a rhythm activity to the tune of “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha”? Even a classic that everyone knows takes on a special charm when performed by infants.
Choose easy-to-sound instruments like bells or maracas.
Clapping hands is of course OK, too.
Support the children so they can express themselves in whatever way they like.
With a lively song playing and the babies making sounds with instruments, it becomes a splendid concert hall.
Let the parents fully savor these adorable, fleeting moments that can only be seen now.
[Interactive Play] Riding the Bus
![[Interactive Play] Riding the Bus](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ikW5lUa_PJY/sddefault.jpg)
The interactive play “Riding the Bus” is an activity children enjoy by sitting on the teacher’s lap or sitting on the floor.
Many children will have fun leaning diagonally in the direction the “bus” turns, often squealing with delight.
It’s a great interactive game to incorporate into everyday childcare.
Since it’s more enjoyable on an adult’s lap, ask teachers from other classes to join on the day.
Seeing their child playing together with a teacher will make it a heartwarming presentation for parents as well.
[Hand Play] Daruma-san
![[Hand Play] Daruma-san](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e6NalSBfYBc/sddefault.jpg)
Even in the 0-year-old class, children can imitate the game of making faces.
Turn the kids into little Darumas and enjoy a staring/funny-face contest together.
It’ll be fun to see what expressions they show in time with the chant.
The key practice tip is for the teacher to model with big, exaggerated expressions.
Even if they don’t know the exact rules yet, they’ll join in as pretend play.
Parents will find themselves smiling at their child’s expressions.
It’s a performance piece that really showcases the children’s cuteness.
[Game] Mr./Ms. Kinoko’s Birthday
![[Game] Mr./Ms. Kinoko's Birthday](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lDYgm9Gb0J4/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s hold a birthday party by imagining the zero-year-old children as mushrooms.
These infants in the class are growing from 0 to 1 year old.
Each child and their parents must have welcomed the birthday with a variety of feelings.
Many preschools hold monthly birthday parties, but it’s also nice to have everyone celebrate during a performance or presentation.
Dress the children in colorful mushroom costumes and prepare easy-to-play instruments like jingle bells.
It’s a program that lets you truly feel the children’s growth.
[Game] Cute Hide-and-Seek
![[Game] Cute Hide-and-Seek](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/famzbwGtprk/sddefault.jpg)
“Cute Hide-and-Seek” is a charming performance that even 0-year-olds can enjoy to get a feel for the game of hide-and-seek.
If the teacher prepares simple hiding spots, the children can come out quickly, so try getting creative with the setup.
Focusing on costumes—like chick-like hats and feet—is another key point.
It would also be nice to include a moment where you call each child’s name and have them raise their hand.
Make it a wonderful event where you can see expressions unique to this time—some children joining with smiles, others getting nervous and freezing up.
[Hand Play] Let’s Clap Our Hands
![[Hand Play] Let's Clap Our Hands](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2ZlK6cAQNBY/sddefault.jpg)
When it comes to classic children’s activities, “Let’s Clap Our Hands” is a staple, isn’t it? I imagine many of you sing it at home, too.
With its very familiar rhythm and lyrics full of onomatopoeia kids love—like “tan-tan with our hands” and “tan-tan stomping our feet”—plus simple movements, children of any age can enjoy it together.
Since it’s a song the audience likely knows as well, it’s the kind of activity that can bring the whole venue together and really liven things up.
Be sure to consider adding it to your list!
