Lovely childcare

Recommended for 5-year-olds! A collection of ideas for plays and dances for senior kindergarteners’ performances

20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

The recital is the culmination of the 5-year-olds’ life at the kindergarten.

As teachers, you want it to be an event that conveys the children’s growth.

That’s where the dilemma of choosing the program comes in.

Selecting pieces that let the children enjoy themselves and shine with enthusiasm is something every teacher puzzles over.

So we’ve gathered ideas that are perfect for 5-year-olds, such as plays and ensemble performances.

We’ve picked out a variety of ideas to match your school’s unique style, so please use them as a reference when deciding on your program.

Recommended for 5-Year-Olds: A Collection of Ideas for Senior Kindergarten Recitals—Plays and Dances (1–10)

Tomorrow Will Be Sunny

Song “Ashita wa Hareru” … 5-year-olds (Lion Class)

Tomorrow Will Be Sunny

“Ashita wa Hareru” is a song written and composed by singer-songwriter Osamu Sakata, who is also known as a former “Uta no Onii-san” on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” This classic has been sung by many children as a staple graduation song for preschool and kindergarten.

The warm lyrics about feelings for friends and the strength you gain from being together are truly lovely.

The lyrics are short and easy to remember, so why not perform it along with musical instruments? It’s a perfect piece for a final recital for five-year-olds.

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[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?

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[Dance] Love has burst forth

2018 Play Performance (^^♪ ‘Love Has Popped’ – Senior Kindergarten

[Dance] Love has burst forth

The dance “Koi Hajikemashita,” with its eye-catching costumes for the children, looks like it will really liven up the recital.

Because the song is rhythmic, the children may find it easy to join practice and remember the choreography.

Let’s incorporate simple, easy-to-remember moves suitable for the older kindergarteners.

For the costumes, let’s make them easy to move in and suitable for dancing.

Adding sparkly materials to the outfits might boost the children’s motivation.

I hope it becomes a recital that leaves lasting memories.

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Recommended for 5-year-olds! A collection of ideas for plays and dances at senior kindergarteners’ recitals (11–20)

[Play] Swimmy

December 15, 2017 Natsumidai Kindergarten and Nursery School Senior Class Presentation: “Swimmy”

[Play] Swimmy

We would like to introduce a play based on the picture book “Swimmy.” In this video, the children not only created the sets and props, but also used drums to produce sound effects—an initiative befitting the oldest kindergarteners.

Remarkably, even the stagehands (kuroko) are played by the children, who wear authentic, inconspicuous black costumes, which leaves a strong impression.

A stage crafted by the children themselves is sure to become a wonderful performance, perfect for a recital.

Why not consider incorporating these ideas?

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[Ensemble] Bridge of Glory

Reiwa 3 (2021) Momoyama Kindergarten Senior Class Ensemble: “Bridge of Glory”

[Ensemble] Bridge of Glory

Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi,” well-known as a graduation song and a classic of spring, is a great choice for group performance.

Its slow tempo makes it easier for children to keep the beat as they play.

Try dividing roles between those who keep the rhythm and those who play the melody, and perform with your favorite instruments.

Since the melody section is long, it might be best for the teacher to help or for several people to take turns playing it bit by bit.

Be sure to join forces and perform it together!

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“Dance” Brother Ship

2015 Play Recital “Siblings’ Boat” (Older Kindergarten Children)

"Dance" Brother Ship

The dance “Kyodaibune,” which conveys strength and growth, hinges on the children’s expressions and synchronized movements.

When practicing, first work on the choreography, then incorporate practice sessions with the music.

For scenes with formation changes, it’s helpful to place colored vinyl tape markers on the floor so each child can understand their position—highly recommended for clarity.

If the children wear their hakama several times before the performance to get used to them, the event may run more smoothly.

Making large, bold movements with the folding fans gives the whole piece a tighter feel and makes it look even cooler.

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[Sign Language Dance] Flowers of Gratitude

Arigatou no Hana [Sign Language Dance]: Includes sign language choreography, lyrics, and music—perfect for practicing for graduation ceremonies and recitals!

[Sign Language Dance] Flowers of Gratitude

Presenting the bright and gentle-toned “Arigatou no Hana” with a sign-language dance sounds like it will make for a memorable recital.

To help the children learn the signs, let’s practice repeatedly, part by part along with the lyrics.

Since sign language performed to music can change in tempo and feel, repeated practice is recommended.

When teaching the signs, it’s also a good idea to use photos or show picture books so the children can feel closer to sign language.

Let’s use facial expressions and body movements too, and have the teacher enjoy practicing together with the children.

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