Hand games toddlers and infants can do. Popular hand play songs in childcare
Here’s an introduction to recommended finger-play songs for babies and toddlers.
Finger-play songs are a popular way to communicate with babies who can’t speak yet and a favorite play activity for toddlers.
Once you start a finger-play song, kids get super interested—many will try to imitate you!
Beyond building a sense of rhythm, finger-play songs also help develop the body by encouraging children to move their hands and fingers as they intend.
They’re almost always incorporated in childcare settings.
We’ve gathered finger-play songs that are popular with toddlers, as well as ones that babies can enjoy just by listening, so be sure to give them a try!
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Hand games for babies and toddlers. Popular hand-play songs in childcare (31–40).
Meat buns and sweet bean paste buns
Delicious foods appear one after another, and your stomach goes “g-r-r-r” with hunger! Here’s a hand play activity for the song “Nikuman Anman.” Nikuman (meat buns) are steamed warm in a steamer, and eating them on a cold day gently warms you up! It’s a perfect hand play for the chilly season.
The lyrics feature various kinds of Chinese dishes, which is so exciting.
The hand motions that go with the lyrics are unique and easy for children to learn, which is part of their charm.
Let’s enjoy the hand play while moving our bodies to the rhythm!
Let’s clap our hands
Move your body to the rhythm! Here’s an introduction to the hand-play song “Clap Your Hands.” It’s a recommended activity you can enjoy together with infants! Hum the tune and move your body in time with the rhythm.
By moving along with the song and rhythm, children can develop their physical abilities while having fun.
There are moments during the hand play where you can make various facial expressions.
Playing with smiles together with parents or teachers can make the time even more enjoyable.
It’s a charming hand-play activity that helps deepen the bond with children!
shaved ice
The hand-play song “Shaved Ice” is a game more suited to slightly older toddlers rather than infants.
Set to music with movements, the choreography reflects the lyrics, so children can learn both the song and the moves as they sing and dance.
This makes it a fun activity everyone can enjoy together.
Cucumbers are ready.
The fingerplay song “Kyūri ga Dekita” (Cucumbers Are Ready) is a recommended activity for babies.
It’s a game where you pretend the baby is a cucumber.
If you sway their body to the rhythm of the song or gently pat them as if giving a little massage—ton ton ton—babies will be delighted.
This is Dad’s territory.
The hand-play song “Koko wa tōchan nindo-koro” is a great game for babies.
It’s a play activity we really hope you’ll enjoy with your baby while singing together with Mom and Dad.
As you sing about the ways the baby resembles the two of you and touch your baby with gentle skin-to-skin contact, they’ll be delighted.