Lovely childcare

[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection

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.
9 years of experience as a nursery school teacherShibata Risa
I am an active nursery school teacher with 9 years of experience. After graduating from university, I worked at a daycare center. The time I spent happily with children—playing piano, singing songs, and doing finger-play—are priceless memories to me. Currently, while raising three children of my own, I work at an after-school day service, engaging with children and providing individualized developmental support. Drawing on my diverse experiences as a childcare worker and as a mother, I hope to express and convey my thoughts through writing.

For children, hand-play songs where they sing and interact with familiar adults and friends are so much fun.

Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes are said to have a very positive effect on children’s brain and emotional development.

It’s something we’d love to incorporate a lot into everyday life.

So this time, we’re introducing hand-play songs and nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together.

From classic tunes everyone has heard to popular songs sung in daycare centers and kindergartens, there’s a lot to choose from!

Please try to find songs you can enjoy together that match your children’s age and interests.

Many of these songs have a good tempo and catchy melodies or phrases, so they’re easy to learn right away!

[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection (81–90)

the head priest of a templewarabeuta

"The Temple Monk (Heisei Version)" – Children's Song and Hand-Play Song (For Nursery and Kindergarten) – Fist Version

the head priest of a templewarabeuta

A nursery rhyme you can finish with rock-paper-scissors: “Otera no Oshō-san.” Many moms and dads may remember singing this one.

Since the monk grows flowers and flies through the sky, try using hand motions that match those actions.

The lyrics vary by generation and region, but every version includes rock-paper-scissors, so sing it with whichever lyrics you like.

It’s also fun to make up your own original lyrics and movements to play along.

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Gramps and Grannywarabeuta

Gee-Gee Baa: A Nursery Rhyme for 0-Year-Olds

Gramps and Grannywarabeuta

Let’s introduce a perfect traditional children’s song for gentle playtime with your baby! This piece lets you softly touch and play with your baby’s face, so you can enjoy watching their expressions change together.

It’s included on the album “Mainichi Warabe-uta from 0 Years Old,” released by King Records in August 2022, featuring the warm vocals of Emiko Kobayashi.

It’s also used in the child-rearing support activities of “Hapimoto” in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is loved by many parents.

Sit your child on your lap and sing while facing them gently.

By tuning in to your baby’s feelings and taking your time to connect through touch, you’ll create a fun, smile-filled time of communication.

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Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.Sakushi: Sakura Tomoko / Sakkyoku: Ozawa Tatsuyuki

A nursery classic to sing: “Kashiwa Mochi Gyuggyu” [Children’s Day, nursery music play, hand-play song]

Squeeze, squeeze, kashiwa mochi.Sakushi: Sakura Tomoko / Sakkyoku: Ozawa Tatsuyuki

An adorable children’s song that rhythmically depicts the fun of making kashiwa-mochi.

Its structure lets kids sing while doing hand-play motions, which naturally draws out their body movements and helps develop a sense of rhythm.

Featured in numerous early childhood education books—such as “Instant Hand-Play & Piano Accompaniment for Ages 0–2”—the song is widely used in kindergartens and nurseries.

Try singing it at home with your child while enjoying the hand-play.

And after the fun, how about some real kashiwa-mochi for a snack?

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In conclusion

There were plenty of songs that seem fun to enjoy with your baby, weren’t there? Children grow up before you know it.

To make this very moment a “precious parent-child time” you can look back on in the future, please use this article and have fun together!