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] Ideas for Performances That Inspire Emotion and Laughter for School Arts and Learning Presentations (31–40)

musical

Nagahama Elementary School Chorus 4th Regular Concert — “A Whole New World” from the musical Aladdin

musical

When it comes to school performances, plays are the standard choice, but how about trying something a bit different and putting on a musical? The big difference from a play is that, instead of delivering lines, you express yourself by singing.

It might feel a little embarrassing, but it’s more impactful than a play, and choosing the songs is fun too.

For kids who are good at singing, it’s a great chance to shine—and maybe even land the lead role!

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manzai (a traditional Japanese stand-up comedy duo performance)

Cultural Festival Manzai [Team B]

manzai (a traditional Japanese stand-up comedy duo performance)

If you’re good at chatting and making people laugh, why not try manzai (a Japanese stand-up comedy duo act)? Writing material can be pretty challenging, but try drafting it while consulting with your partner and watching professional performances.

Once you’ve got your routine, it’s all about practice! Keep refining it as you head toward the real performance!

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rakugo play

6th Grade Rakugo Play: 'Manjū Kowai' (Scared of Manjū)

rakugo play

Rakugo is often thought of as a storytelling art performed by a single seated storyteller, but how about turning it into a stage play? Since rakugo stories are already structured like dramas, they’re perfect for events like school plays.

As a part of Japanese culture, they also offer a chance to learn about spoken language and historical context, making them a highly valuable presentation in those respects as well.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Instrument performance

When a professional saxophonist suddenly started performing “Yuki no Hana,” many people stopped in their tracks, and tears welled up in the listeners’ eyes...

Instrument performance

I think any instrument will do—piano, guitar, bass, anything.

Music can be enjoyed regardless of age, and it would be a crowd-pleasing performance not just for the students but for the teachers as well.

A solo performance on a single instrument is fine, and teaming up to play as a band would also be exciting.

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Kendama performance

Kendama elementary school students & teacher

Kendama performance

A kendama performance that unleashes a variety of tricks in sync with music.

It’s more challenging than simply performing kendama tricks, making it perfect for upper-grade elementary students who, over their long years in school, have learned to do many things.

Of course, kendama skills are essential, but it’s also important to decide which parts of the music each trick will match.

If there are formation changes, you also need to plan where to move and what to do with the kendama at that moment.

Kids who are good at kendama, kids who excel with music and dance—work together to create a single stage performance.

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In conclusion

We introduced ideas for performances to showcase at school arts festivals and learning presentations.

Each type of performance offers different ways to express yourselves, but all of them will surely become memorable experiences created together with your peers.

Practice may be hard, but the sense of accomplishment when you deliver emotion and laughter on the day is exceptional.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful, memorable performance that leaves a lasting impression.