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.

[For 5-Year-Olds] Recommended for Senior Kindergarten Recitals! A Collection of Play and Dance Ideas (21–30)

[Operetta] Kureyon no Kurokun

Recital [Operetta: Kuro-kun of Kuyoren] Choreography Video with Key Point Explanations

[Operetta] Kureyon no Kurokun

Operetta, also called “little opera,” is a play composed of both sung and spoken parts.

This work, Kuyorenn no Kurokun, is known as a picture book, so many children may have read it.

Kurokun wants to draw pictures together with everyone, but the other crayons reject him.

What will happen next…? In this play, there are many sections where everyone moves in unison, so the key is how well they can synchronize.

In the part where they dance while waving ribbons, let’s have the children fully express themselves!

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[Dance] Chant

Reiwa 6 School Year Dance Performance: “Sho” (Elder/Oldest Kindergarten Class)

[Dance] Chant

How about trying a dance to “Show” sung by Ado, the song that’s become a staple of Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights? It’s a very popular track, so many kids have probably heard it.

In the video, the choreography for the chorus is the same as the routine actually performed at Universal Studios Japan.

The tempo is fast, so the moves can be challenging, but even simple choreography becomes more powerful when everyone’s movements are in sync.

Why not give it a try?

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Theatrical Play: The Lion King

The Lion King

Theatrical Play: The Lion King

It’s a play based on the Disney film The Lion King.

The story portrays Simba, a young lion, as he faces various challenges on his path to becoming king.

Since it’s also well known as a musical, it might be fun to include songs and dances not only in the middle but also at the end, rather than relying solely on dialogue.

Use large set pieces to depict the vast savanna, and incorporate animal characteristics into the costumes.

A play with such a grand theme is sure to resonate with children.

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[Performance] Dynamic Ryukyu

Shōen Nursery School, 2015 Recital: Dynamic Ryukyu

[Performance] Dynamic Ryukyu

Released in 2009 by Akira Ikuma, “Dynamic Ryukyu” is a song well known as a cheer anthem.

It is performed as an Eisa dance piece in a variety of settings.

In the official music video you can see not only the dancing but also drumming, making it a great choice for performances by young children.

The relaxed tempo lets you transition to the next choreography without rushing, and using drums helps convey power and rhythm.

Try adding some cool poses and have everyone put on a performance together!

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[Song] Until the World Becomes One

[Song] Until the World Becomes One [Moon Class, Senior Year]

[Song] Until the World Becomes One

This song, “Sekai ga Hitotsu ni Naru Made” (“Until the World Becomes One”), was used as the ending theme for the long-beloved anime Ninja Boy Rantaro.

It’s a slow-tempo number that’s easy for children to sing, and its love-filled lyrics can bring tears to the eyes of adults too.

Surely when children sing it, memories of time spent with their friends will come to mind.

It’s a deeply moving piece—why not sing it at the end of your recital? When you do, try holding hands with everyone!

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Song: Hometown

Fusadai Kindergarten - Chorus, Senior Class (5-year-olds): “Furusato” (Arashi version)

Song: Hometown

“Furusato,” the song performed by the idol group Arashi, is very popular with children.

It’s also well known as a choral piece.

How about having the 5-year-olds sing it at their recital? Since it has a choral aspect, there are various ways to perform it, such as two-part or three-part harmony, but for preschoolers, it would be fine for everyone to sing the main melody together.

Encourage them to listen carefully to the surrounding voices and practice with attention to pitch.

It might also be lovely to try creating sections where different parts sing separately, as Arashi does, and sections where everyone sings together.

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[Song] Because I Met You

Senior Class “Because I Could Meet You” « Life Presentation « Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University Affiliated Kindergarten

[Song] Because I Met You

At recitals, it’s common to perform songs, isn’t it? One I highly recommend is “Kimi ni Aeta Kara” (“Because I Met You”).

It was featured on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho,” and it conveys the joy of laughing with friends and a bright feeling that tomorrow will be a good day.

The lyrics are short and the melody is simple, so it should be easy for children to learn.

Since it’s the final recital of their time at the preschool, it might sound a little bittersweet, but I think it’s a song that also helps them get mentally ready for entering elementary school.

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