[For 1-year-olds] Performance for the school recital
Many nursery teachers may be struggling to decide what to present at a performance for one-year-olds.
Even within the one-year-old age group, a small difference in months can greatly change what children can do, so choosing an act is tricky.
A performance is an important event where parents can see their children’s growth.
It’s best if the children can enjoy practicing from the start.
Here are some selections of acts for one-year-olds that let them have fun singing and dancing.
They might get a bit nervous on the day of the performance—but that’s adorable too, and it would be wonderful if teachers and parents could all watch over them together.
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For 1-year-olds: Performances for the end-of-term presentation (11–20)
Ah-pu-pu (a playful onomatopoeia, often used in children’s games similar to ‘staring contest’)
How about arranging a performance based on the children’s favorite picture book? The children, dressed as the characters, can come out one by one to dance, then switch with their friends, watch their friends’ dances, and finally everyone dances together.
Parents will get to see many different sides of their children all at once and feel their growth.
Also, because the picture book adaptation lets them imagine the scenes by looking at the illustrations, it should be easier for the children to remember, and they’ll likely take the initiative to participate in practice!
Eurhythmics play
A eurhythmics activity where children move their bodies to music.
Because they can move freely to the sounds and add hand motions, even babies can enjoy this rhythm play.
How about incorporating this eurhythmics activity into your school performance? Choose popular children’s songs the kids love, dress them in matching costumes, and let them dance adorably.
If they hold sound-making items—like bells—and keep the beat in time with the movements, it will make for an even more lively and charming performance.
Reading picture books aloud
Even among one-year-olds, what they can do can differ greatly depending on just a month’s age difference.
If you have children for whom group expression is still difficult at their current month age, how about doing a picture-book read-aloud for the school performance? The children can line up in costumes that match the story, and whenever there are lines or sound effects from the book that they can voice, everyone says them together.
If the book includes songs, they can move their bodies along with the music.
This way, you can also see how the children usually enjoy picture books.
Toy Cha-Cha-Cha
From adults to children, everyone loves the nursery rhyme “Omocha no Cha Cha Cha.” Many artists have sung it, including Shoko Haida, famous as a children’s song presenter, and Momoiro Clover Z.
It has a lively tempo, so it’s fun to keep the beat with easy-to-play instruments like bells and castanets.
Kids will likely enjoy trying their first instruments, too.
Not only that—because you can add hand-play motions and simple choreography that match the lyrics, it’s a perfect song for performances.
[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.
[Gymnastics] The Animal Train Has Arrived
![[Gymnastics] The Animal Train Has Arrived](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8y73l4YHdls/sddefault.jpg)
The song “Animal Train Is Coming,” featuring a rabbit, monkey, mouse, and crocodile, works as an exercise that one-year-old children can enjoy and take part in at a recital.
Hop on the train and set off for your destination.
Transform into each animal, imitate its sounds, and aim for the goal as you pass through tunnels and over hills.
Because they repeat the same movements while fully becoming each animal, one-year-olds find it easy to participate.
When you arrive at the final stop, it’s also fun to end by striking your favorite pose for each animal.
[For 1-year-olds] Performances for the end-of-term presentation (21–30)
[Dance] Moo-Moo Hula Dance
![[Dance] Moo-Moo Hula Dance](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IZdHekg9IJI/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce the Moo-Moo Hula Dance, perfect for one-year-olds with its cow costumes and gently flowing music.
The children appear wearing cow masks and cow outfits made from colored plastic bags.
Call each child in the class by name one by one.
When you hear a cheerful reply, start the music and begin the dance.
Have fun by swaying the pom-poms left and right and stomping your feet.
By adding simple poses like waving goodbye and bowing, the children will become more familiar with the dance and enjoy participating.