Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Ideas for Performances That Inspire Laughter and Tears: Perfect for Upper Grades at School Arts and Learning Showcases

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
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!

Upper elementary school students are at an age where they can independently showcase the results of their daily learning at school arts festivals and presentations.

Not only music and choir, but also new performances that highlight each class’s unique character are gaining attention.

Here, we introduce ideas that upper graders can enjoy working on together.

There are plenty of options that make use of expressive skills, such as dance, acrobatics, and acting.

Value the ideas discussed in your class and come up with a unique performance.

Work together creatively and make wonderful, unforgettable memories!

[For Upper Grades] Performance Ideas for School Arts and Learning Presentations That Inspire Tears and Laughter (11–20)

Pocky Dance

Tried dancing the Pocky dance as a party skit

Pocky Dance

The “Pocky Dance” that was performed in the Pocky commercials—many of you might find it nostalgic, right? Today’s elementary school kids may not be as familiar with it, but it’s a really fun dance with lively choreography.

These days, many elementary schoolers take dance lessons, and dance performances are common at events.

Dancing is also great for boosting class unity.

If you get the audience to clap along, the whole venue will get energized—how about giving it a try?

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line dance

line dance

line dance

There are many types of dance, but line dancing is especially captivating.

Even just moving in a single horizontal line looks striking on stage.

And movements where dancers alternate positions, synchronized poses, and callouts really get the audience excited.

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[Hand-Sign Dance] Swallow

[Hand-sign Dance] Swallow – YOASOBI with Midories [Jump Rope] Sign Language | SDGs | From Sapporo 🦊

[Hand-Sign Dance] Swallow

Let’s try singing YOASOBI’s “Tsubame” with a hand-sign dance that uses sign language-like movements! Released digitally in 2021, this song was chosen as the theme for NHK’s SDGs-related program “Hirogare! Irotoridori” and was also featured on “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics carry a message encouraging us to cherish not only our own family and friends, but also the animals and plants that live in nature.

Just singing it can move listeners’ hearts, and adding sign language-like gestures will convey that message even more strongly.

It’s a perfect theme for middle elementary students who are starting to learn about society and the environment.

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Magic

KSC 22nd School Festival - Magic Club

Magic

When it comes to classic entertainment or performances, magic is the go-to.

There are many types of magic, so for a classroom setting you might choose card tricks, while for a gymnasium you might pick tricks that look great on stage.

There are plenty of videos online that explain magic tricks, so be sure to use those as references.

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Kitchen Beat

Kitchen Beat Urawa Wind Orchestra Percussion

Kitchen Beat

Kitchen Beat: making music with items like rice paddles and pots from the kitchen.

Normally you might get scolded for playing with those, but this time we’ll use them as instruments and show off a cool performance! The kitchen tools you need can be everyday items you’d find at home or in a school home-economics room—nothing special required.

Build some rhythm patterns and have fun making music as if you were cooking.

Since you’re using non-instruments, it’s sure to grab viewers’ attention! Give it a try!

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comedy sketch

School Festival [Hilariously Creative Original Skit] Comedy, High School Students, Funny, Entertainment

comedy sketch

If you’re good at acting and want to make people laugh, why not try doing a “conte” (short comedy sketch)? A conte is a short play whose purpose is to make people laugh.

There’s a lot to do—writing a script, rehearsing it, and sometimes preparing props—but the sense of accomplishment is immeasurable.

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Ideas for Upper Grades: Performances for School Arts and Learning Presentations That Inspire Emotion and Laughter (21–30)

cheer dance

Fukui Commercial High School Cheerleading Team JETS — Champions of the All Japan Cheer Dance Championship 2018!

cheer dance

If you’re athletic, how about trying cheer dance? Cheer dance is often associated with women, but all-male cheer dance squads have been gaining popularity recently.

It does require practice, but the sense of accomplishment when you finish is immense, and it will make for great memories.

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