[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter!
February brings Setsubun and the chant “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi!” In nurseries and kindergartens, there are likely many chances to sing songs related to Setsubun.
But in fact, there are plenty of songs perfect for February beyond just Setsubun tunes! In this article, we introduce songs connected to February and children’s songs that are perfect for the harshly cold season.
Many of them can be sung with hand-play motions, so children are sure to enjoy them.
Please make use of them on days when it’s too cold to play outside or during music time.
- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
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- [For Seniors] February Songs You’ll Want to Hum: Enjoy Winter with Nostalgic Classics
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- [Setsubun Song] Demons out, fortune in! Bean-throwing songs to enjoy on Setsubun
- Timeless songs you’ll want to listen to in February: winter songs and Valentine’s songs.
- Songs for January: Nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs we want children to grow familiar with
- March nursery rhymes & hand play songs! Spring songs you can enjoy with your kids
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- Nursery rhymes to sing in spring: a collection of classic songs you'll want to sing with your children
- December children's songs, folk songs, and nursery rhymes: fun winter hand-play songs
- Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
[February Songs] Introducing children's songs, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and hand-play songs about Setsubun and winter! (71–80)
frost pillarswarabeuta
In the cold winter season, you sometimes see columns of frost forming on the ground.
Touching them or stepping on them—there are many ways to enjoy this winter-only phenomenon.
This is a gentle hand-play song that depicts frost columns you can only see in winter.
The shape of needle-like ice gathered into bundles is expressed by layering your fingers in time with the song.
It then unfolds into a scene where the frost columns topple under the sun’s rays, conveying a touch of sadness.
The actions are simple—just opening your layered fingers—and it’s recommended to do it after you’ve actually encountered frost columns, as a way to recall the experience.
Choco-choco chocolateSakushi Sakkyoku: Aramaki Shake Hirai Takato Kidsu Purannaa
In February, we shouldn’t forget not only Setsubun but also Valentine’s Day, which makes both boys and girls’ hearts race! The perfect song for Valentine’s Day is “Choco-Choco Chocolate.” When you think of Valentine’s, it’s got to be chocolate, right? There is a set of official lyrics, but if you change the shapes and flavors of the chocolate however you like as you sing, it becomes a more original song and even more fun! You can also enjoy it as a hand-play song by using your hands to make different chocolate shapes to match the lyrics while singing.
Pechka (a type of Russian masonry stove)Sakkyoku: Yamada Kōsaku
Pechka, the Russian fireplace and oven.
Watching the fire burn on a cold winter’s day is truly soothing, isn’t it? Here is a song about that pechka.
It was included in the Manchuria Song Collection published in 1924 and was reportedly composed at the request of the South Manchuria Education Association for people emigrating to Manchuria at the time.
Since the winters in Manchuria were said to be very cold, this song must have suited the setting well.
In its final section, although the piece is in a major key, it employs chords from the parallel minor of the same tonic, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
Snow and ChildrenSakkyokusha: Fushō
Snow and Children depicts children wishing for the snow to pile up.
The lyrics were written by children’s literature author Junichi Kobayashi, and it was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta from February to March 1962.
Its sound evokes a vast snowy landscape.
Dividing the singing into separate parts can create an even more majestic choral effect.
It’s a children’s song that lets you feel winter even when you can’t play outside, such as on rainy days.
Why not try singing its clear, translucent melody line, perfect for February when the midwinter cold is at its peak?
In conclusion
Even though there are signs of spring, February is still a cold season; through warm, comforting nursery rhymes and children’s songs, we can nurture rich sensibilities in children’s hearts.
Try incorporating seasonal songs into activities at daycare or moments of connection at home.
Just humming along can make winter days more enjoyable and memorable.
In spaces filled with singing, smiles naturally blossom.