Lovely childcare

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

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

Last updated:2025/2/21

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)

Wish Upon a Star

Handbells: “When You Wish Upon a Star” ... 5-year-olds (Lion Class)

Wish Upon a Star

The song “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Disney’s animated film Pinocchio has a beautiful melody that feels truly cleansing.

It’s also a piece you can practice while enjoying harmonies, so let’s savor the sound of harmony as we practice with the children.

It can be quite challenging for kids to identify and understand their own musical roles.

If there’s a performance such as a recital, be sure to allow plenty of rehearsal time so they can become comfortable with the piece at a relaxed pace.

Since there are many notes and parts, keep that in mind when choosing the piece.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

I look up as I walk

Handbell: Ue o Muite Arukou (Sukiyaki)

I look up as I walk

Kyu Sakamoto’s song “Ue o Muite Arukou” is also beloved overseas as “SUKIYAKI.” It was released in 1960 and has been cherished by many people for a long time.

If you perform it with handbells, try a simple arrangement that also incorporates chords to make it more vibrant.

Children will likely enjoy the overlapping sounds as they listen to the resonance of the handbells.

The song’s length is just right for children to memorize, making it perfect for a recital piece that requires playing from memory.

It’s definitely a song you’ll want to enjoy together with the kids.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Over the Rainbow

Handbells “Over the Rainbow” ... Yuri Class (5-year-olds)

Over the Rainbow

“Over the Rainbow” is a song featured in the musical film The Wizard of Oz.

Some of you may know it by its English title, “Over the Rainbow.” Its rich melody and flowing lines make it perfect for handbell performance.

Practice diligently to create beautiful harmony.

Because the sequence of notes is intricate, start slowly at first, and once you’ve learned the notes, increase the tempo so the piece takes on its characteristic feel.

The more you practice, the greater the sense of accomplishment this piece will bring.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The Do-Re-Mi Song

#2 [Senior Kindergarten Handbells] “Do-Re-Mi”

The Do-Re-Mi Song

Do-Re-Mi,” featured in the film The Sound of Music.

Because there are Japanese lyrics and it’s easy to get familiar with, some teachers may even have their classes sing it.

A hallmark of Do-Re-Mi is that the lyrics for Do start on the note Do, and the lyrics for Re start on the note Re.

As students practice the song, they can also learn pitch relationships and note names.

The notes used are simple, making it easy to try even with a small group—another nice perk.

It’s the perfect piece for practicing handbells in a fun way, isn’t it?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Edelweiss

Handbells “Edelweiss” … 5-year-old class

Edelweiss

Edelweiss, the song featured in the musical film The Sound of Music.

Its gentle, unhurried melody resonates with listeners.

Because the original musical structure is simple, try incorporating shakes—ringing the bells by gently swaying them—to create a rich, layered performance.

Exploring various playing techniques is one of the great pleasures of handbells.

It’s a perfect piece for both Christmas parties and concerts.

Keep practicing and aim for a beautiful performance.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem