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 (51–60)

Hand play ‘The Flower Smiled’

The Flower Smiled – The Flower Smiled, The Flower Smiled~ (with choreography) [Children’s Song, Piano Accompaniment]

Hand play 'The Flower Smiled'

How about enjoying a hand-play activity with the children’s song “Ohanaga Waratta,” which is perfect for spring entrance ceremonies? You can make flowers with your hands and open them with a pop—it’s a very simple and cute choreography.

Playing it together with children who may be nervous in a new place, or having teachers perform it, could help ease some of that tension.

This song might also convey that kindergarten or nursery school is a fun place.

Please consider it as a performance idea.

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[Introductory fingerplay] Tanabata Bata-BataLyrics by / Music by: Boku to Kimi

[July Tanabata hand play] Tanabata Bata-Bata ≪Must read≫ Tips and arrangements for use in childcare are listed in the description below ↓ Lyrics/Music: Boku to Kimi.

[Introductory fingerplay] Tanabata Bata-Bata Lyrics by: / Music by: Boku to Kimi

A must-read for teachers wondering how to introduce Tanabata crafts.

Try enjoying the hand play song “Tanabata Bata-Bata” with the children—it answers their question, “What kind of event is Tanabata?” The song expresses Orihime and Hikoboshi’s feelings and situations in words that are easy for kids to understand, helping them picture the story and get excited while deepening their understanding of Tanabata.

It would also be fun to work on the craft while humming the song! Let’s boost the children’s excitement and connect it to their motivation to create.

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Horn, horn, hoooorn!Tsubasa Suzuki, Sho Fukuda

[Hand Play • Animals] Horns, Horns, Hooorn! / Tsubasa Suzuki & Sho Fukuda [Childcare/Animals/Play Song/Parenting/Children’s Song]

Horn, horn, hoooorn! Tsubasa Suzuki · Sho Fukuda

The song game “Tsuno Tsuno Tsū-no” boosts kids’ sense of “I wonder what it is?” The choreography—gently swaying horn shapes made with the index fingers to a relaxed rhythm—is adorable.

The unique lyrics that make children think, “What’s going to come out next?” are fun and spark their curiosity, while also helping them develop the ability to listen attentively.

A flurry of animals appears one after another, so animal-loving kids will be thrilled.

For the final “None!” make sure to sing it out energetically and have fun.

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Pop the egg

[Hand Play Song] Pop the Egg | HAPIKU Channel

Pop the egg

Eggs are a powerhouse ingredient you can enjoy raw, fried, or boiled—nutritious and delicious in every form.

Some people might remember admiring their mothers deftly cracking eggs and cooking, and wishing they could try it themselves when they were little.

The song “Tamago wo Bon!” playfully celebrates eggs and is a lively hand-play tune that’s perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together.

It could be fun to ask children what kinds of dishes you can make after cracking an egg and let them answer without giving the “right” answer first.

And when someone gets it right, be sure to actually make something like a rolled omelet or pancakes for them!

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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.