For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performances such as plays and songs for recitals and school shows
At age four, children’s imaginations blossom, their vocabulary grows, and they become able to express their feelings and thoughts in words.
This time, we’re introducing performance ideas perfect for the development of four-year-olds, ideal for recitals and school plays.
We’ve gathered many ideas that let four-year-olds enjoy expressing themselves while expanding their imaginative world: plays based on stories with a clear narrative, songs and dances that let them share feelings with friends, and ensemble performances that make use of each instrument’s unique qualities.
Find options that match your children’s mood and interests, and be sure to give them a try.
For 4-year-olds (preschool)! Performance ideas for plays, songs, and other acts for recitals and school events (1–10)
[Play Acting] The Cat Doctor
How about incorporating a play based on the hugely popular song “The Cat Doctor,” created by Hiroko Masuda of Keropons? The song has also been made into a picture book, and it’s a very unique, laugh-out-loud story.
Troubled animals visit the cat doctor, who treats them one after another with sheer spirit and determination.
For example, when a bear can’t sleep and ends up with dark circles under its eyes, the doctor removes the “kuma” (circles) with a burst of spirit… It’s the kind of content that even adults will chuckle at, so I think children will really enjoy performing it!
[Dramatic Play] I Want Friends, Little Wolf
![[Dramatic Play] I Want Friends, Little Wolf](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EEkDhAnXpD8/sddefault.jpg)
“I Want Friends, Little Wolf” is a story about a gentle little wolf who goes looking for friends.
It’s a perfect theme for four-year-olds, who are building more relationships and experiencing more conflicts as a result.
In addition to the wolf, lots of cute animals like rabbits and piglets appear.
It might be even more enjoyable in a class with many children.
There’s a scene where everyone sings and dances to music while highlighting each animal’s physical features, which really brings out their cuteness.
Will Little Wolf be able to make friends with everyone in the end?
[Play] The Bremen Town Musicians
![[Play] The Bremen Town Musicians](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vqwt3h-Ikzo/sddefault.jpg)
Many people are probably familiar with The Town Musicians of Bremen.
It’s a beloved story that shows the importance of joining forces to overcome difficulties.
Let’s assign the animal roles from Bremen to the children and create a little play.
Four-year-olds can memorize reasonably long lines, the storyline, and gestures with repeated practice, so it could be fun to get creative with the script.
Let’s all enjoy a charming adventure play starring these cute kids.
Song: Smile
Let me introduce “Smile” by Yuzu, a song that lifts your spirits and fills you with energy even when you’re feeling sad.
It’s a heartwarming track packed with hope and positive messages.
The upbeat melody is distinctive, and the chorus is catchy and easy to remember.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of keeping a smile even in difficult times, and it lends itself to various arrangements—like a lively group performance by children at the end of a recital or an original dance with choreography.
It’s a highly recommended song brimming with positive energy.
[Ensemble] Mountain Musicians
![[Ensemble] Mountain Musicians](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eU6Hp4qqB8w/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce a song that children love: “The Mountain Musicians.” In the song, various animals appear and play or blow different instruments.
Have the children take on the role of each animal and be in charge of that animal’s instrument.
If you strike the rhythm in the performance parts three times in a row, it adds nice contrast and makes it more fun.
Wearing animal masks is also adorable and highly recommended.
When playing the tambourine or bells, try lifting them up and shaking them; it makes it easier for the audience to see and understand what’s happening.
Ensemble: School Paradise
Let us introduce a lively ensemble performance of “Gakuen Tengoku.” Although this song was released by Finger 5 in 1974, it’s often heard on TV and elsewhere, so some children may already recognize it.
Many parents are likely familiar with it too, so why not include it in your recital? The original tempo is on the fast side, but please proceed at a pace that’s comfortable for the children to play.
It’s a piece where the percussion really shines, so have fun performing it together!
[Dance] Iro-Iro Exploration Team!
![[Dance] Iro-Iro Exploration Team!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WFtpNP0ihbk/sddefault.jpg)
Let’s try dancing to “Iro Iro Tankentai”! Choreography can be tricky, right? You have to think a lot—how many times each move fits the tempo, whether a certain move is too hard to follow after another, and so on.
Once it’s finished, it’s best to avoid changing it after teaching it to the kids, since that can confuse them.
This song has lots of choreography videos available, so it’s also a great idea to watch them together and decide with the kids as you go.