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.
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For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for plays, songs, and other items for recitals and school shows (11–20)
[Play] The 11 Cats and the Albatross
![[Play] The 11 Cats and the Albatross](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SDBREsTB-gU/sddefault.jpg)
There’s a picture book series that children love called “11 Piki no Neko” (Eleven Cats).
How about incorporating “11 Piki no Neko to Ahoudori” (Eleven Cats and the Albatross) into your play? The story begins with the eleven cats opening a croquette shop, when an albatross shows up and—oh no!—everything turns into a wonderfully unique adventure.
Although there are eleven cats in the book, you can adjust the number to match your class size and it will still be fun to perform.
Since it’s a slightly longer picture book, you could shorten the story to fit your performance time, and adding songs in the middle or at the end would really liven things up!
Play-acting: The Monkey and the Crab Battle
Long cherished as a traditional folktale, “The Monkey and the Crab Battle” is a wonderful piece where each character’s personality really shines.
When children play roles like the monkey and the crab, the characters transform into irresistibly cute figures! Four-year-olds eagerly memorize lines and songs, so let’s enjoy practicing while following the flow of the story.
Using a picture book or a kamishibai as an introduction is a great idea, too.
You can also have fun making props together with the children.
Since there are many scene changes, help them learn one step at a time and be sure to offer lots of praise.
Song: The Magic of Do-Re-Mi
“Do-Re-Mi no Mahou,” a song featured on NHK E-TV’s “Minna no Uta,” is a lively piece with a bouncing rhythm that’s a lot of fun.
Because “do-re-mi” naturally appears throughout the lyrics, it helps kids enjoy getting familiar with musical sounds.
The lyrics are on the longer side and use a variety of expressions, so it’s a good idea to learn them little by little in sections.
On the day of the recital, both teachers and parents will be moved, thinking, “They can sing such a complex song now!” It’s sure to boost the children’s confidence, too.
Make it a special song for unforgettable memories.
[Song] Parade
![[Song] Parade](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZC9uIBBrC4Q/sddefault.jpg)
Parade, bursting with energy and hope for tomorrow, is a song we especially want 4-year-olds—who are growing rapidly in mind and body—to sing.
In the chorus, the melody bounces rhythmically and the pitch moves back and forth.
It might feel complex at first, but once you start singing, you’ll definitely get into the groove! Be sure to let your lively voices ring out.
The tempo tends to speed up, so it’s also good practice for staying steady at the same tempo.
Let’s enjoy working on it together with the children.
[Playacting] The Nutcracker
![[Playacting] The Nutcracker](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JYfALkcAdnY/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce The Nutcracker, a story in which a doll given to Clara on Christmas night is brought to life by magic and journeys through a dream world.
Along with its fantastical elements, this heartwarming tale explores themes of love and growth.
The main roles include the Narrator, the Nutcracker, Clara, the Mice, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
It would make a splendid production for a large class! It could also be fun to use costumes and props made by the children themselves.
Let’s share ideas and create a wonderful recital together!
[Ensemble] Message in Rouge
![[Ensemble] Message in Rouge](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uSE0Bw7lm1s/sddefault.jpg)
If you’re looking for a piece for ensemble, how about performing “Rouge no Dengon”? Known as the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s film Kiki’s Delivery Service, it’s a song many children may have heard.
When you play it with a variety of instruments like metallophone, xylophone, and bass drum, it becomes very powerful.
In ensembles, I think it’s common for a single melodic instrument—such as the piano or xylophone—to lead the whole group, but it’s also interesting when the main melody changes within the piece, shifting from the melodica to the metallophone like in the video.
For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for recitals and school plays, including skits and songs (21–30)
[Dance] SwallowYOASOBI
![[Dance] SwallowYOASOBI](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/587gQ3iCeBE/sddefault.jpg)
“Tsubame,” presented on NHK’s E-TV as an initiative themed around the SDGs.
Many teachers may already have their classes dancing it as part of daily activities.
The choreography, where children imitate swallows as they dance, has a few slightly complex parts, making it a rewarding piece to work on.
For the performance, it could be nice to prepare special costumes.
Since NHK has officially released a choreography video, teachers should learn the dance first! We’ll want to remember the adorable children just like this forever.