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] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events
- Choral songs that captivate 4-year-olds! A collection of heartfelt song ideas for junior kindergarten recitals
- [For 3-year-olds] Recommended for recital and performance days! Skits, songs, and other program ideas
- Recommended for 5-year-olds! A collection of ideas for plays and dances for senior kindergarteners’ performances
- For 4-year-olds! Introducing recommended indoor activities, group games, and crafts
- [For 4-year-olds] Ideas for group games and craft activities that can be done indoors
- A big hit with kids! A collection of songs that gets everyone pumped for childcare and recreation
- [For Preschoolers] Thinking Is Fun! Riddle Special
- Fun circuit play for 4-year-olds: physical activities using balance beams, mats, and more.
- I Want to Sing at the Kindergarten Seniors’ Recital! A Collection of Moving Song Ideas That 6-Year-Olds Can Sing with All Their Heart
- I want to sing it at the senior class recital! A choral piece that 5-year-olds can sing with all their heart
- Craft ideas for 4-year-olds to try in autumn! Enjoy creative activities with seasonal motifs and events.
- Exciting for 4-year-olds! A collection of sports day event ideas for preschoolers (middle class)
For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for plays, songs, and other items for recitals and school shows (11–20)
Song: Sing Bang-Bang
“Utae Banban” is a song that has been loved for a long time since its release in 1971.
Although the lyrics are simple, there are parts where you hold notes for a long time and pay attention to dynamics, so it’s a great piece for four-year-olds who are starting to sing with expressive awareness.
Since there are three verses, practice while understanding the meaning and differences of each verse.
Once they can sing loudly and confidently, the song will convey the energetic spirit of the children.
[Dance] New EraUta (Ado)
![[Dance] New Era Uta (ado)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EiVC_LKi8eU/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce “New Era,” a song with a powerful and captivating vocal.
Since 4-year-olds can jump and crouch, try a dance with big, dynamic movements.
For the opening, as a warm-up, we recommend swaying up and down to the rhythm.
Match the expansive vocals by moving your arms wide to the sides and spinning—this will make the dance enjoyable for the audience, too.
Finally, cue a shout and freeze in your favorite pose to bring the excitement to a peak!
[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!
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.
[Dance] Woo! Wombat
![[Dance] Woo! Wombat](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QbpYmuOJ-jU/sddefault.jpg)
Let me introduce a lively, upbeat dance song called “Woo! Wombat.” It’s sung by Hiromichi Oniisan and has a rhythmic, cheerful vibe.
The song’s theme is the adorable animal, the wombat, and its easy-to-follow rhythm makes it perfect for kids to sing and dance along.
The bright melody and catchy chorus are memorable, and listening to it naturally puts you in a positive mood.
The song also features wombat-inspired moves and choreography, so you can enjoy dancing while having fun!
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.
For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for recitals and school plays, including skits and songs (21–30)
[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!