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Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals

Many teachers are likely searching for choral songs to sing at year-round class presentations and events.

Here, we introduce songs that are perfect for creating memorable moments in children’s hearts.

We’ve gathered plenty of tunes that four-year-olds can enjoy singing—bright and lively songs, songs that convey gentle feelings, and songs everyone can sing together while holding hands.

By singing together at a recital, children will surely encounter wonderful songs that let them feel the joy of cooperation and a sense of unity.

Please use this as a guide to find the perfect song for your children.

Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of moving song ideas for middle preschoolers’ recitals (11–20)

Small WorldSakushi/Sakkyoku: Robāto Shāman, Richādo Shāman

This is the theme song that plays on Disney’s attraction “It’s a Small World.” It’s sung all over the world, and even little children are likely familiar with it.

I’ve heard that when the song was first written it was a ballad, but now it’s arranged as an upbeat tune, making it perfect for kids.

There are several Japanese lyric versions, so feel free to choose the translation you like.

It’s also nice to come up with simple choreography, or sing along while playing bells or castanets.

rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

♪ Rainbow – The garden shovel stays wet all day long ~ ♪ (with gestures)
rainbowSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

With its added movements that everyone can sing along to, “Niji” is a simple, nostalgic song.

When it rains, we sometimes feel sad because we can’t hang the laundry or the events we were looking forward to get postponed.

But when a beautiful rainbow appears in the sparkling sky after the rain, those gloomy feelings seem to vanish like a lie.

Even children who don’t like rain will surely start looking forward to the clear-up after singing this song! Give it a try on a rainy day when your spirits tend to sink.

Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

♪ Happy Children – ♪ It's the mysterious power of magic ~ [with choreography] [Toshihiko Shinzawa & Hirotaka Nakagawa] [Super popular on TikTok!]
Happy ChildrenSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

If you’re looking for a song that can unite the preschoolers on stage and the attending parents in the audience, we recommend “Happy Children.” It’s sure to create the excitement of a live concert.

The lyrics, with lines like “When we talk with children, everyone becomes happy; when we watch children, everyone smiles,” are easy to remember, and the fun melody naturally gets your body moving.

The chorus—where the title “Happy Children” appears in the lyrics—is the biggest highlight.

The call-and-response between the stage and the audience is so much fun! If you’re unsure which song to choose, this is one you should definitely listen to at least once.

A Drop of Star

A Drop of a Star – With Mother – July 2021 Song
A Drop of Star

With its bright rhythm and easy-to-understand lyrics, “Hoshi no Hitoshizuku” is a cheerful song that makes you want to dance when you hear it.

If you start the intro with handclaps, everyone can match the beat and dance together.

Try swaying your body energetically to the lyrics as you dance.

You might just find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

Its captivating rhythm and lyrics are enjoyable for children of all ages.

It could be a big hit to sing at events like Tanabata, too.

Children around the worldSakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

This children’s song comes from the golden duo: lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa.

It was created in 1988, and ever since, children have loved singing it.

The tempo is lively and the rhythm is fun.

By singing it, children engage with the lyrics and have a chance to learn that there are many kids and friends around the world—that’s one of its strengths.

Rather than just memorizing it, using the lyrics as a starting point for conversation can also be a great opportunity for children.

I want to become the sun.Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

Nursery song / I Want to Be the Sun / 36th Children’s Song Contest – Children’s Division
I want to become the sun.Sakushi: Shinzawa Toshihiko / Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka

With lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and music by Hirotaka Nakagawa, this song is by the same duo behind the popular “Sekai-ju no Kodomotachi ga” (“Children of the World”).

It’s easy to learn and has meaningful lyrics, so it’s recommended as a choral piece.

Singing its positive words can lift spirits and create a bright, joyful mood.

Besides recitals, it’s also great to sing when new children join the kindergarten, directing the song to them.

It’s a good idea not only to sing but also to explain the meaning of the lyrics in an easy-to-understand way.

Choral pieces that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of song ideas (21–30) that resonate at middle-year preschool recitals

strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe

Eng sub My Neighbor Totoro “Stroll” with lyrics — covered by Miho Kuroda
strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe

Here is the song that became the ending theme for Studio Ghibli’s animated film My Neighbor Totoro, released in 1988.

Many years have passed, but it’s a song that continues to be loved and passed down from parents to children.

Although it’s an anime song, it’s said to be included in music textbooks, which shows how familiar and widely sung it is.

It reportedly even consistently ranks first in popularity polls of children’s favorite songs.

You can sing it with choreography while referring to videos, or it’s also recommended to sing while keeping rhythm with instruments like tambourines or bells.