Ideas for Performances Recommended for 0-Year-Olds at Recitals and Play Events

[Play] Bento Bus

The 0- and 1-year-old class play at Takio Dandelion Nursery, Feb 18, 2017

How about putting on a little play to the song “Obentō Bus”? Have the children pretend to be different bento ingredients and clap along with the lyrics.

If you’re doing it with only the 0-year-old class, it will go more smoothly if everyone starts from a seated position.

Seeing the children become all sorts of bento fillings is sure to bring smiles to teachers’ and parents’ faces.

Performing in front of adults can make them nervous or unsure—that, too, is something we should warmly watch over and cherish.

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[Hand Play] Let’s Clap Our Hands

Let's Clap Our Hands

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!

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[Gymnastics] Animal Exercises

Tried dancing the Animal Exercise! [Dance] [1-year-olds] [Infants] [Daycare]

“Animal Exercises” is a routine where you act out various movements to match the animals mentioned in the lyrics.

For one-year-olds and younger, simply clapping along with the music or gently swaying their bodies is more than enough to express it adorably.

The key for teachers is to demonstrate with big, easy-to-see motions.

Watching the children imitate in their own way will bring a smile to anyone’s face.

To help everyone get used to the song and flow, it could be a good idea to make it part of the daily routine as practice.

The sight of little ones doing these cute exercises is a must-see!

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[Hand Play] Donguri Korokoro

My First Recital

Let’s try doing the fingerplay song “Donguri Korokoro” with 0-year-olds.

The gestures are simple, so even babies can easily imitate them, and practice can be fun.

Many children especially enjoy the part where you whirl your arms around.

Watching them move their bodies to the bouncy melody is absolutely adorable! You could even make costumes that match the song.

On the day of the performance, some children may freeze up in the unfamiliar setting.

That, too, will become a wonderful memory.

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[Dance] Momo Hula Dance

Yume – School/Life Presentation – Moo-Moo Hula Dance

Let’s dress the infants in cute cow costumes and enjoy the “Moo-Moo Hula Dance.” In addition to the outfit and hat, adding small pom-poms to their hands will give it even more of a hula vibe.

Just waving their arms to a relaxed tune will transform the little ones into tiny hula dancers! You’ll love watching their earnest expressions.

The song itself isn’t long, so it’s not burdensome for the children, and they can practice without getting bored.

On the day of the performance, we hope each child can present with lots of energy!

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[Play] Bunny Dance

[Play Recital] Sakie, 0 years old (Bunny Dance)

Have the children pretend to be animals and use their bodies to express themselves when they make their entrance.

Besides rabbits, animals that often appear in picture books—like elephants and lions—are familiar to children, so they’re a great choice.

Choose a pop, upbeat song for the entrance scene, and parents and teachers, please clap along to cheer them on.

Seeing each child express themselves in their own way will let you feel how much the zero-year-old class has grown.

It’s also fun to choose animals that match each child’s personality.

And don’t forget to prepare cute costumes!

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[Hand play] Ton ton ton ton Anpanman

Dress Rehearsal for the “Recital” … 0-Year-Old Class (1)

Hand play activities to enjoy with 0-year-olds are truly wonderful.

“Ton ton ton ton Anpanman,” featuring popular Anpanman characters, is one of children’s favorite games.

Moving the palms to the music helps develop a sense of rhythm and reflexes.

Make eye contact with your baby and sing expressively to match the lyrics.

It’s lovely to personalize it by adding the children’s names or making little variations, and to enjoy communicating with your baby through hand play.

The simple movements are easy to learn, so it’s also recommended as a performance that caregivers can join in together.