Lovely childcare

[Childcare] I want to have fun with the kids! Simple songs for handbells

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.
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.

Why not create a wonderful musical time with handbells together with children?

Here, we introduce handbell songs that kids can enjoy!

If you choose songs the children already know, it’s easier for them to join in.

First, try ringing the bells to the rhythm.

Playing along with the singing makes it even more fun!

By making sounds together, they can also feel the joy of cooperating with friends.

Share the joy of music and create wonderful memories together.

[Childcare] I want to enjoy this with the children! Simple handbell songs (1–10)

Small World

Handbells: A Child's World

Small World

This heartwarming song, themed around the peace and harmony of children around the world, is appealing for its simple and easy-to-remember melody.

First unveiled at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and beloved at Disney parks worldwide, the song was created by the Sherman Brothers.

It carries a message about the importance of people from different cultures joining hands, making it perfect for handbell performance.

When played with children, each person performs their part, allowing everyone to experience the joy of creating one piece of music together.

Incorporating it into early childhood music activities can also help nurture children’s expressive abilities.

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We wish you a Marry christmas

Handbell 5-year-olds: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

We wish you a Marry christmas

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is a well-loved Christmas carol.

Many children have probably heard it at some point.

It’s a festive piece that’s perfect for holiday performances and is easy to tackle even with a small group—another nice plus.

If older kindergarteners are performing it, try incorporating chords so they can experience the harmony of the music.

It’s a song that’s sure to bring warm feelings at Christmas.

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All ye faithful, make haste

Handbells: “Joy to the World” for 3- and 4-year-olds

All ye faithful, make haste

“Joy to the World,” a beloved Christmas carol, is a perfect piece for a Christmas program.

Since the melody closely follows the scale, children will likely find it easy to become familiar with.

As a guideline, it seems suitable to start with a class of four-year-olds.

With handbell performances, because there isn’t someone else producing the sound for you, it’s important to listen carefully and understand your own role.

The presentation may be nerve-wracking, but that’s exactly why it will likely become an irreplaceable memory for the children.

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butterfly

[Handbell] Butterfly

butterfly

Many kindergarteners are probably familiar with the song “Butterfly” (Chōcho) thanks to its simple melody and lyrics.

Because it vividly depicts a butterfly fluttering about, it’s also often used as a song to sing to infants around 0–1 years old.

It’s a great choice as a first piece to play on handbells.

By getting creative with the piano accompaniment or adding harmonies, you can bring variety to the music.

Try performing “Butterfly” in different styles and enjoy the fun of making music.

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Amazing Grace

Handbell Practice for 5-Year-Olds [Amazing Grace]

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace is a hymn beloved by many.

It’s beautiful as a song, and its gentle, rich melody is perfect for handbells.

Since there are no semitones such as sharps or flats, the notes are easy to grasp.

When practicing, write out the notes to match your handbell colors and play repeatedly along with the accompaniment.

You’ll need to listen carefully to the notes your friends are playing, which helps you focus and engage deeply with the music.

It’s also a perfect piece for a Christmas gathering.

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