Lovely childcare

Popular hand games and hand game songs for toddlers and children! Full of ideas for childcare/early childhood education.

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.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Having a rich repertoire of fingerplay songs keeps children from getting bored and gives adults a sense of ease.

You can use them in many ways—while preparing for the next activity, or as a calm introduction to help children listen attentively.

Above all, children love fingerplay songs with their variety of themes and rhythms.

Adults will surely feel soothed watching little ones smile and mimic the motions with their tiny hands.

Be sure to use this article to learn some new fingerplay songs!

Popular Hand Games and Hand-Game Songs for Toddlers and Children! Full of Ideas for Childcare (61–70)

Yakiimo goo-choki-paLyrics: Hiroo Sakata / Music: Naozumi Yamamoto

Yaki-imo Rock-Paper-Scissors (with actions) ♪ Roasted sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, my tummy goes grr~ ♪ [Hand play / Children's song]

Yakiimo Goo-Choki-Pa Lyrics: Hiroo Sakata / Music: Naozumi Yamamoto

This is a fun song that captures the warm, toasty feeling of roasted sweet potatoes.

While imitating with their hands, children can also learn about rock-paper-scissors.

For two-year-olds, rather than teaching winning and losing, let them enjoy making a fist (rock), an open hand (paper), or scissors in time with the chant.

When the teacher enjoys it, the children will naturally start to imitate.

Since it’s a song focused on movements, it’s helpful to have one teacher serve as a model for the kids.

Try getting creative by preparing a CD or finding another teacher to provide accompaniment.

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In conclusion

We introduced hand-play songs that are popular with children. There are many different themes and rhythms, so enjoy them together with the kids. Hand-play songs require no preparation, and if you use them during short waiting times, children can have fun while waiting for the next activity. Be sure to expand your repertoire of hand-play songs.