Lovely childcare

[For 3-year-olds] Recommended for recital and performance days! Skits, songs, and other program ideas

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.

The recital, one of the major events at nursery schools and kindergartens, is a valuable opportunity for parents to see how their children have grown.

In the younger classes, many children may be participating in a recital for the first time.

For teachers who are thinking, “We want to put on something that 3-year-olds will enjoy!” this is a must-read.

Here we introduce activity ideas that are perfectly suited to the developmental stage of 3-year-olds.

In addition to simple plays, we’ve gathered plenty of recommended ideas—songs, instrument play, and dances—that let 3-year-olds freely express their unique charm and individual personalities.

Find ideas that will excite the children and be sure to try them out.

[For 3-year-olds] Recommended for school life presentations and recitals! Performances like plays and songs (21–30)

[Song] Laughter Is Wonderful

Song: “Laughing Voices Are Nice” … Ume Class (3-year-olds)

[Song] Laughter Is Wonderful

If you’re thinking about showcasing a song at a recital, how about this one, “Warai-goe tte Ii na” (“Laughter Is Wonderful”)? The theme of laughter is easy for children to understand and makes the song feel fun.

The lyrics even include various people’s laughs.

It starts with Dad and Mom—and even features animals’ laughter! It’s interesting how the way of laughing changes depending on who’s laughing.

There’s choreography for the laughing parts, so try expressing each type of laughter while you sing.

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[Dance] Honey the HoneybeeKatsuriki

A certain kindergarten’s performance day: junior class, dances by class

[Dance] Honey the Honeybee Katsuriki

In “Honey the Little Bee,” children transform into adorable bees and can sing and dance along.

It’s a familiar, welcoming theme not only for kids who have already experienced a recital by age two, but also for those tackling their first recital at age three.

The choreography where they place a single finger on their cheek during the chorus will have everyone blurting out, “So cute!” Plus, with moves like wiggling their bottoms and hopping around, it lets three-year-olds show off their full cuteness.

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[Dance] Wondafour

[Recital/Children’s Dance] Wonderful (A dance even 3-year-olds can learn in 5 minutes)

[Dance] Wondafour

This is a song called “Wan-Da-Four,” sung by Wataru Yokoo and Taisuke Fujigaya of the idol group Kis-My-Ft2.

The lyrics depict a fun, happy everyday life where a dog dances and sings, feels a little lonely when its owner isn’t around, and even gets up to a bit of mischief.

The choreography is original and designed so that even three-year-olds can dance to it.

The tempo is slow and easy to dance to, so be sure to show off your moves with this song!

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[Instrument Play] Mickey Mouse March

Ensemble: “Mickey Mouse March” … 3-year-old class

[Instrument Play] Mickey Mouse March

“Mickey Mouse March” is a song beloved across generations for its bright, bouncy melody.

Because the beat is easy to follow, try some instrument play.

Drums, tambourines, and bells are recommended.

Teachers should create cues for each part and have the children memorize them to avoid confusion.

Getting very familiar with the song is also key to success.

At times, it’s great to step away from the instruments and add activities like singing or dancing.

The experience of creating the piece together will become a cherished memory for the children.

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[Dance] Furu-Furu FruitKatsuriki

2017/03/03 Recital Full Full Fruits

[Dance] Furu-Furu Fruit Katsuriki

Shall we all dance together to the lively, tropical-style “Furu Furu Fruits”? Even just swaying their bodies or putting a hand to their mouths with a quick “Hah!” makes for a captivating performance by children dressed in fruit costumes.

At this age, they can remember their own and their friends’ positions, so it’s nice to include simple formation changes.

With lots of practice, they might memorize the chorus lyrics and sing while they dance.

It’s a perfect theme to bring out all the cuteness of three-year-olds.

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[Ensemble] Smile

FY2021 Asahi Juku Kindergarten Living Presentation: Junior Class Ensemble 'Smile'

[Ensemble] Smile

There are a few songs titled “Smile,” but this one is the track released by the music duo HOF DYLAN in 1996.

It also drew attention when Nana Mori covered it in 2020.

If you’re considering an instrument performance for the recital, why not have everyone play this song together? It’s well-known, so many kids might already know it, and the tempo is slow, making it easier for children to check their fingering as they play.

Try performing it with instruments like drums, bells, and castanets.

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[Dramatic Play] The Glutton of the Candy Star

Play: The Sweets Planet Gluttons — Sumire Class (3-year-olds, junior class) at the nursery school recital, December 2015, Fukui City

[Dramatic Play] The Glutton of the Candy Star

This play-acting activity is themed around sweets that children love.

It’s adorable how the performers wear hats shaped like chocolate, ice cream, and cake.

There are scenes where everyone sings together, parts where each child delivers lines, and even back-and-forth dialogues.

There seems to be a lot to keep track of—cues, positions, and the flow of the story—but since the theme is sweets, the children might actually memorize it quite easily.

It sounds like a fun play activity, so please consider it as a performance piece for your recital!

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