Lovely childcare

Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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.

Dance activities in daycare and at sports festivals are very important times for children!By moving their bodies to music, they can learn a sense of fun and rhythm.Choosing a special dance for the upcoming sports festival is one of the exciting parts, too.Here, we introduce recommended dance songs for young children that are perfect for daycare and sports festivals.Kids who are tuned into trends will also enjoy dancing to more mature-sounding songs.Choose dances and exercises that match the children’s preferences, and have both kids and adults get excited together!

Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for preschoolers for daycare and sports day (91–100)

Genki Ondo

Genki Ondo / Okaasan to Issho / Hand Play

Genki Ondo

It’s a bright and lively Bon Odori song.

Set to a poppy rhythm, it features moves like the “hungry tummy growl” pose and big-voice gestures that naturally make kids want to move.

The choreography is easy to follow and full of the joy of dancing together.

Its energetic tempo and friendly vocals will further boost the festive mood.

The clear rhythm and catchy melody stick in your head, and moving freely to the music brings out smiles.

Popular as a versatile number for kindergartens and local summer festivals, it’s perfect for summer events where everyone can dance, sing, and feel energized.

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Japan’s Big Three Chatcha-cha!

[Recommended! A Bon dance everyone can join] Japan’s Top Three “Cha-cha-cha”! <All preschoolers, elementary school students, and general public>

Japan’s Big Three Chatcha-cha!

This is a fun song themed around Bon Odori dances from all over Japan.

It unfolds with a friendly tempo and rhythm.

The vocals are bright, and the repeated words and rhythmic phrases are catchy, so children will quickly learn and enjoy it.

The instrumental sounds are lively, creating the perfect atmosphere for dancing with hand claps and calls.

Its structure highlights the unique qualities of each region, making it enjoyable to experience the cultures of Japan while playing.

It’s well-suited for summer festival stages and school events, and it’s a piece that naturally brings out smiles.

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Ebi KanicsKeroponzu

Ebi Kanix / Keropons [Official Music Video]

Ebi KanicsKeroponzu

Around 2012, kids went crazy for and danced nonstop to Keropons’ “Ebi Kanix.” The song had actually existed more than 10 years before it became a hot topic, but when the video was uploaded to YouTube in 2012, it became a huge hit.

Its catchy, easy-to-remember lyrics, simple exercise-like moves, and—above all—the duo’s striking costumes drew everyone in.

It’s not just a funny, fun song; it includes real movements like twisting your body and jumping, making it perfect for daily exercise too! Enjoy a fun workout while singing along.

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swallow

[Aoki Iro] “Swallow” Dance Music Video Full ver. YOASOBI with Midories | SDGs | NHK

swallow

Tsubame is a song by YOASOBI featured in the Aoki Iro segment on NHK.

The official choreography is performed by children, so many of you may find it familiar.

A distinctive feature of this dance is that it has both a parent swallow and a baby swallow version.

You can adjust the difficulty to match children’s ages, making it perfect for daily childcare activities.

The wing-like arm movements that mimic swallows and the bouncy steps are adorable.

Let’s all become swallows and dance together!

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Hyokkori Hyoutan-jima

Hyokkori Hyotan Island♪♪ Shiwasse Version

Hyokkori Hyoutan-jima

This is “Hyokkori Hyotan Island,” a song that has been hugely popular with children for many years.

Since people of all ages know this song, it’s perfect for a school performance.

There’s no set choreography, so depending on how you arrange it, even the youngest kids can dance to it.

Dance with lots of energy and the cuteness will be doubled!

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Age-age donuts

[Age Age Donuts] Look! Dance! Sing! So much fun! A super popular kids’ song loved by everyone! [With choreography]

Age-age donuts

We’d like to introduce a donut-themed song and dance called “Age-Age Donuts.” The upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics are key points.

When the lyrics say “Age-Age Donuts,” extend both arms and strike a donut pose.

Matching movements to the lyrics and incorporating rhythmic motions will make the dance even more fun.

While asking everyone what flavor of donut they like, enjoy the dance as if you’re making delicious donuts together.

If you’re performing at a recital or event, we also recommend colorful costumes and decorations in donut-inspired colors.

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Festival Dokkyun

Sports Day Dance 'Omatsuri Dokkyun' 2023 ver.

Festival Dokkyun

Let us introduce the “Omatsuri Dokkyun” dance, perfect for summer festivals and event season.

While stepping in place, add movements that match the lyrics.

The song is lively and energizing, so we recommend using your whole body with powerful, large motions.

Holding uchiwa fans and adding call-and-response chants will create a sense of unity across the group.

Performing the dance in colorful happi coats will match the music and make the stage even more vibrant.

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