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 children's rhymes collection (41–50)

chacha jarwarabeuta

[Hand Game] Chachatsubo Chatsubo — Recommended for Kindergartens, Nursery Schools, and Teaching Practicums!

chacha jarwarabeuta

Introducing a hand game that will leave your head and body in a total muddle when you keep playing.

It’s a traditional children’s hand game performed while singing “Cha-cha-tsubo Cha-tsubo,” moving both hands to match the lyrics.

You switch back and forth in time with the song between one hand shaped like a tea jar and the other hand acting as the lid—almost like brain training.

This hand game that tangles up your thoughts gets everyone excited when you play it together.

Once it starts, you can’t help but think, “Alright, I’m not going to mess up this time!” It gets even more fun if you start slow and gradually speed up the tempo.

Let’s play it with everyone like a game.

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[Parenting] Parent-and-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes compilation (51–60)

The fish jumps.

The Fish Jumps [Hand Play] Lyrics and Music: Hirotaka Nakagawa — Great for daycare and kindergarten practicums too! A summer hand game that’s fun even when you change the speed ✨

The fish jumps.

A refreshing hand game! Let me share some ideas for “Sakana ga Hanete” (Fish Jumping).

When you think of summer, many people probably imagine watersides like rivers and the sea, right? This is a unique fish-themed hand game you’ll want to use before fish-related crafts or dances.

Before starting the game, it could be fun to ask the children how they would react if a fish suddenly jumped—boing!—out of the water.

In this playful activity, fish hop onto different parts of the body and stick there, then keep transforming one after another—such a unique hand game!

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Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

Lovely Daddy [Song] Lyrics and Music: Keiko Maeda

Wonderful dadSakushi sakkyoku: Maeda Keiko

A song characterized by a warm melody and simple, down-to-earth rhythm.

It’s written in a range that’s easy for children to sing, and its affectionate lyrics resonate with the heart.

Released in May 2009, the piece has been included in compilation albums of children’s songs, and various creators have released arranged versions as well.

It’s a perfect song for cherished family moments at home, for singing time in nurseries and kindergartens, and for Father’s Day events—any occasion that celebrates family.

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Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

Banana Parent and Child [Song Mom and Dad] Together with Mother Children's Song Hand Play

Banana Parent and ChildSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako

A simple song depicting a parent-and-child pair of bananas living on a southern island.

Its gentle melody conveys the bond between parent and child, and the rhythmic, easy-to-remember lyrics leave a strong impression.

After airing on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in 1982, it was included on the albums “Okaasan to Issho Memorial Album” and “NHK Okaasan to Issho 40 Years: Best 100 Songs,” winning the hearts of many.

With its bright, cheerful rhythm, it’s a song you can move your body to while singing, making it perfect for indoor fun even on rainy days.

Ideal for singing with family, or with friends at daycare or kindergarten.

Give it a try on a rainy day when spirits tend to sink.

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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (with gestures)

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.

How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.

The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.

Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.

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Abuku-tatta

https://www.tiktok.com/@rittle0601/video/7295691233664437511

When you do baby massage to the rhythm of the “Abukutatta Nietatta” song, your little one will show such a happy expression.

While singing, gently hold your child’s legs and move them, watching how they respond left, right, up, and down.

When moving the legs, don’t shake them strongly—move them gently and slowly.

For the “munch munch munch” part, lightly touch their tummy with a motion like you’re pretend-eating it; your child will love it.

For older babies, it’s also fun to pick up the pace a bit!

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Tickle Tickle Train

https://www.tiktok.com/@rittle0601/video/7268236524326554882

Do you know the song “Kochokochō Densha” (Tickle-Tickle Train), which is great for baby massage? While gently touching your child’s tummy, move your hands up and down.

For the part that goes “This way? That way?”, move your child’s arms slightly to the left and right.

The key moment is at the terminal station.

Gently tickle your child’s tummy and sides.

It might bring out a big smile! At the terminal station, it’s recommended to change the spot—like the feet, cheeks, or back—depending on which way your child’s body is facing at the time.

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