A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes—songs that make you feel happy when you sing them.
There are so many nursery rhymes that are popular with children!
There are songs about animals, songs about food, songs about the seasons—the themes are varied, and each song has its own mood.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of especially cheerful songs from among the most popular nursery rhymes all at once!
We’ve gathered lots of songs that will put you in a happy mood whether you listen to them or sing along.
Please sample the songs we introduce below, and be sure to enjoy listening to and singing your favorites!
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A collection of cheerful nursery rhymes: Songs that are fun to sing (21–30)
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.
The stars are good friendsboku to kimi.
Let’s have fun with a fingerplay! Introducing “Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi.” This is a great idea for anyone looking for fingerplay activities that match the season or special events.
“Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi” is a unique fingerplay where you use your palms as stars while you play.
The rhythm is pleasant and the tempo is gentle, so it can be enjoyed by a wide range of children, from infants to preschoolers.
The lyrics are cute too, so try singing and playing together with the kids.
It also works well as an introduction before a Tanabata craft activity!
little starSakushi: Tsuzuki Masuyo / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma
Let me introduce the well-loved song “Ohoshi-sama” (The Little Star).
Stars seem to twinkle brightly, don’t they? Have you ever thought about what that sparkle might represent? If you ask children, they’ll likely give you delightfully interesting answers.
The lyrics—suggesting that the stars are shining because they’re chatting with one another—are cute and unique, aren’t they? Planning some choreography together with the children would be a fun activity too.
By all means, try incorporating “Ohoshi-sama”!
Little Errand Ant
It’s the children’s song “Otsukai Ari-san,” which I’m sure everyone is familiar with.
It was created in 1950 for NHK’s radio program “Time for Toddlers” and is a long-beloved song still sung today.
In the lyrics, the little ant runs errands while making mistakes, and it’s depicted in an adorably comical way.
The simple lyrics make it easy for young children to enjoy.
The melody is probably slow, so I think older adults can enjoy it too.
It’s a recommended song that can really liven things up—great for singing together with children and seniors while adding some simple dance moves.
Rabbit Dance
A classic song released in 1924.
The lyrics and music are by the duo of Ujo Noguchi and Shinpei Nakayama, also known for “Shabondama.” I’ve heard that dancing to children’s songs was popular at the time.
This song, too, has a fun rhythm—and those katakana lyrics—that makes you want to dance.
If you sing it at karaoke, the kids listening will probably start hopping and dancing on their own.
It’s a children’s song you can enjoy forever.
Dancing Rockin’ Monster
Since a well-produced choreography video has been uploaded to video sites, many of you may have already danced to this song, right? It’s an upbeat track that’ll lift your spirits just by listening, reminiscent of Johnny’s “100% Courage.” The call-and-response-style chants in the middle could also be handy for hyping things up.
It’s up-tempo, but kids around kindergarten age should be able to dance to it.
If you’re unsure what to use for a sports day dance or as BGM for a Halloween event, this track is highly recommended!
HAPPY SONG
Lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa, music by Yuko Masuda.
It’s a song for children, but it feels perfectly natural when sung by adults as well.
It has a slight gospel vibe, and it’s best enjoyed with a generous spirit—sing it energetically, keeping the rhythm with your whole body, and it will feel great.