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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 (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for recitals and school plays, including skits and songs (21–30)

[Dance] SwallowYOASOBI

#37 [Daycare] YOASOBI “Tsubame” at the Farewell Party
[Dance] SwallowYOASOBI

“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.

[Ensemble] That Gentle Girl

FY2020 Asahijuku Kindergarten Life Presentation: Middle-year children's ensemble
[Ensemble] That Gentle Girl

The theme song of the first half of 2019’s morning drama series “Natsuzora.” Here we introduce the ensemble performance of Spitz’s “Yasashii Anoko.” Characterized by a melody that resonates with the heart and a gentle, warm atmosphere, this song sings of the tenderness of love and friendship, leaving listeners deeply moved.

The ensemble uses a melodica and several types of percussion instruments.

By creating showcase moments for each instrument and part, the ensemble allows you to feel the growth of each child.

It would also be wonderful if, through the ensemble, the children can experience uniting their hearts with friends and a sense of accomplishment.

For 4-year-olds (middle preschool)! Performance ideas for plays, songs, and other acts for recitals and school shows (31–40)

[Play] The Three Magic Talismans

The Nursery School Recital of “The Three Magic Talismans”
[Play] The Three Magic Talismans

Here is an introduction to “The Three Charms” from Japanese folktales.

This story features a mountain witch (yamanba) and is a scary tale, but many children love spooky stories.

For kids who are fascinated by things like ogres, ghosts, or even hell despite knowing they’re scary, I think this makes a great play-acting activity.

It seems fun for the children to discuss what kind of yamanba to portray and decide together how to deliver their lines.

While keeping in mind that not only adults but also very young children might be watching, wouldn’t it be a delightful play for the children to take the lead and enjoy themselves?

[Operetta] The Talkative Omelette

Senior class Ume group: The Chatty Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet)
[Operetta] The Talkative Omelette

A play I recommend for older kindergarteners is The Chatty Tamagoyaki.

It’s an operetta, with songs and dances at its core.

In the video that’s introduced, the children move and dance in time with the lines on the CD to express the story.

When a play gets longer, memorizing lines, positions, movements, and dances can be tough, so coordinating movement to pre-recorded lines may be easier to learn and proceed with.

Since there are no spoken lines by the children, they can focus on the movement, making it feel like a musical and resulting in a fun performance.

[Play] Momotaro

Senior class recital “Momotaro”
[Play] Momotaro

Staging a Momotaro play at a recital is recommended because it’s familiar and widely known, making it easy for children to visualize and get into their roles.

When assigning parts such as Momotaro, the grandfather, the grandmother, the dog, the monkey, the pheasant, and the ogres, it’s important to imagine the actual performance and ask the children which roles interest them, moving forward together.

Let’s work with the children to create lines and costumes that allow each child to feel like a main character.

Reading the Momotaro picture book and sharing the story with the children is also a great idea!

[Play] Peter Pan

FY 2022 Recital 1 – Senior Kindergarten
[Play] Peter Pan

Let me introduce a play of Peter Pan that delights with its fantastical world.

The island where children can remain children forever is called Neverland, and the story unfolds there—one that kids absolutely love.

In addition to the magical element of flying through the sky with Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, the battle scenes between Captain Hook and Peter Pan are sure to be thrilling and exciting.

Along with dialogue, try performing your own unique Peter Pan with sound effects and songs that only children can bring to life!

[Ensemble] Passion Continent

Hiraga Nursery School: Passion Continent – Ensemble by the oldest kindergarten class
[Ensemble] Passion Continent

Get your heart pounding with the children’s performance! Here are some ideas for playing ‘Jounetsu Tairiku.’ Many parents watching the recital may be moved to tears as they think about all the preparation the children have done for this day.

Because they genuinely find joy in performing, their bodies naturally move and smiles spread across their faces.

Why not incorporate ‘Jounetsu Tairiku,’ a perfect fit for the theme of enjoying music, into your recital? It’s sure to become a memorable piece for the children, their parents, and the teachers alike.