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[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events

By the time they turn four, children show growth in many ways: they can listen to stories and words and let their imaginations soar, and they become able to express their feelings and thoughts in words.

Through music, we hope they encounter many words and melodies and grow healthy in both mind and body.

Here are some highly recommended songs that are perfect for four-year-olds.

We’ve gathered a wide range of genres: songs that feel exhilarating to sing, songs with storylines that spark imagination, and songs that express feelings for family and friends.

These selections are great not only for everyday childcare settings but also for recitals and events!

Find songs that suit the children, and be sure to have fun singing together.

[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (21–30)

Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba

Heisei 25 (2013) Tega no Oka Kindergarten Music Recital – Senior Class – Singing – Let’s Paint a Picture in the Blue Sky
Let's draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba

Let us introduce a wonderful song that parents and guardians can sing at the entrance ceremony.

“Aoi Sora ni E o Kakou” (Let’s Draw on the Blue Sky) is a lively piece that sings of a dreamlike world where you draw a big ship in the blue sky and set off on an adventure.

It features lyrics that spark children’s imaginations and a bright, upbeat melody.

The energetic call-and-response “Ei! Ya!” is fun too, making it great to sing together with the children.

It’s also popular in educational settings, so singing it at the entrance ceremony will surely delight the kids.

It’s perfect for easing the nerves of children who may feel anxious in a new environment.

Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

“Toy Cha-Cha-Cha” (with choreography) [Japanese song / shoka]
Toy Cha-Cha-Cha

The classic children’s song “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” is an appealing piece with its bright rhythm and imaginative lyrics about toys coming to life at night.

Beyond being a dance tune, it can also be used for hand-play activities or as a theme for school performances.

Kids who love toys will be excited simply because the song and dance theme is “toys.” It would be fun to include choreography that lets them pretend to be toys and move freely.

It’s a highly recommended song that draws out children’s imagination.

[For 4-year-olds] Popular and classic songs to sing at recitals and seasonal events (31–40)

Children all over the world

♪ If all the children of the world (with gestures) If all the children of the world laughed at the same time ~ ♪ [Hand-play/Children’s song]
Children all over the world

Why not dance energetically to the song “Sekai-jū no Kodomo-tachi ga,” whose lyrics wishing happiness for children around the world are truly moving? You can have fun with simple choreography—march in place while swinging both arms, or hold hands with your friends.

Choreography using sign language is also popular, so this is a great chance to try a sign-language dance.

If you slow the tempo a little, it also works well for a chorus.

Please feel free to use it for a variety of recreational activities.

Small WorldSakushi/Sakkyoku: Robāto Shāman, Richādo Shāman

How about “It’s a Small World,” a song that carries the message “Let’s all get along”? It was written as the theme song for the Disneyland attraction “It’s a Small World.” Not only are the lyrics heartwarming, but the mid-tempo feel is sure to lift your spirits.

With many sustained notes, it’s also fun to enjoy long vocal lines.

That makes it perfect for choir, and its thematic lyrics should pair well with performances like school plays or recitals.

My Mixed JuiceSakushi: Gomi Taro / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi

♪My Mixed Juice – With a big “Good morning!” shout♪ [Okaasan to Issho]
My Mixed JuiceSakushi: Gomi Taro / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi

I’d like to introduce “Boku no Mix Juice,” a song with a fun, poppy sound.

It became popular thanks to NHK’s educational program Okaasan to Issho.

The song has three verses, each set in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Its quirky lyrics describe tossing everything—friends, the sun, and more—into a blender and drinking it all up.

It’s fun to imagine what that might be like.

Also, the hand motions that go with this song are a big part of its charm.

Try doing them as you sing along.

[Ensemble] 100% CourageHikaru GENJI

2019 Minami Nursery School, Life Presentation, 4-year-old class, Ensemble Performance
[Ensemble] 100% CourageHikaru GENJI

“100% Courage,” the long-beloved theme song of the NHK Educational TV anime Nintama Rantarō, is probably familiar to many teachers and parents.

Its energetic melody has a simple rhythm, making it perfect for incorporating percussion instruments.

If you create spotlight moments for each part, the children will enjoy performing even more.

Also, outside of instrument practice, it would be great to set aside time for everyone to sing together and become more familiar with the song.

I’d be delighted if 4-year-olds come to love this piece and have fun performing it.

My favorite things

[Classic song] My Favorite Things ♪ [Shimajiro Channel Official]
My favorite things

It’s a warmhearted song that helps children find what they love and nurture a sense of cherishing it.

The staging that incorporates sign language is memorable, and there are thoughtful touches throughout that allow children of diverse backgrounds to sing together and have fun.

The melody is pleasant and so familiar you can’t help but hum along.

Released around 2011, it has been used in various settings, including the educational program “Shimajiro no Wao!”, concerts, and events at childcare facilities.

This work truly supports children’s growth, teaching the beauty of expressing gratitude for familiar things and important people.

Singing it together with parents or guardians can also be an opportunity to foster an even deeper bond.