Lovely childcare

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

9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

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.

Ideas for Performances Recommended for 0-Year-Olds at Recitals and Play Events (11–20)

[Play] Bunny Dance

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

[Play] 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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Sparkle-pop

[Koganei Nursery School] FY2024 Parent-Child Sports Day: 0-Year-Old Class Parent-Child Play 'Kirakira Pon'

Sparkle-pop

Bursting into smiles! Here are some sparkling ideas from Kirakira-pon.

Many teachers may be unsure about parent–child events for infants under one year old.

How about making “parent–child bonding” the theme this time? Swaying gently to music and rhythms, and spending time in close contact can create a sense of comfort for both caregivers and children.

Since this will be the first sports day for these zero-year-old children, set the goal to encourage cheerful participation in a bright, enjoyable atmosphere.

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[Parent and child bonding] Riding the bus

The song game “Riding the Bus” [Ouchien #095]

[Parent and child bonding] Riding the bus

Enjoy bonding time with parents and children! Here are some ideas for “Riding the Bus.” Many parents and teachers may remember playing this when they were young.

Sing along with the song “Riding the Bus” and enjoy close interaction with the children.

Sway your bodies to the rhythm and imitate the bus movements described in the lyrics to share a fun, hands-on experience together.

It’s a perfect idea for a recreation activity that strengthens bonds!

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In conclusion

We introduced ideas for performances suitable for a presentation day with 0-year-olds.

There were plenty of activities that showcased the unique cuteness of infants.

Since they will be performing in front of many parents on the day, some children might be surprised by the unusual atmosphere and end up crying.

To help them participate calmly during the real event, it’s a good idea to increase opportunities to present in front of children from other classes beforehand.

Because this is also a stage with significant individual differences in development, let’s make thoughtful adjustments so each child can enjoy themselves without strain.

We hope it will be a wonderful presentation where you can feel the children’s growth.