[Childcare] Fun Rhythm Play! Recommended Games and Hand-Clapping/Hand-Play for Kids
Rhythm play—moving the body in time with rhythms, songs, and music—is said to nurture not only a sense of rhythm, but also expressiveness, social skills, and physical ability.
It is one of the essential activities for healthy child development.
With that in mind, here are some recommended rhythm-based activities that can be enjoyed in nursery schools and kindergartens.
From gymnastics, eurhythmics, hand games, and group games to quick activities you can do in spare moments and more in-depth, focused ones, there’s a wide range of play that will spark children’s curiosity.
Get moving with your whole body and enjoy these activities together with the children!
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[Childcare] Fun Rhythm Play! Recommended Games and Hand-Clapping/Finger-Play for Kids (1–10)
Playing musical instruments
This is an activity where children can experience how musical instruments make sounds.
Prepare instruments that produce sound with simple actions, such as tambourines and castanets.
It’s also recommended to play along to songs based on nursery rhymes and keep the rhythm with the instruments.
You can include elements of eurhythmics and incorporate movement activities set to music.
This activity helps children become interested in making sounds and conveys the joy of expressing together as a group.
Showcase the teacher’s piano or guitar performance as well, and liven up indoor time on rainy days.
Thunder Game
If you’re looking for a movement-based activity that even kindergarten or preschool children can enjoy, the “Thunder Game” is a great option.
In this game, the teacher or a guardian plays the role of thunder and calls out cues.
When they say “BOOM,” the children should put their belly buttons on the floor.
It’s an indoor game that gets kids moving, so it might be perfect for a rainy day.
Let’s go hunting for wild animals.
“Let’s Go on a Beast Hunt” is a game where children move their bodies to music and form groups based on the number of syllables in an animal’s name.
The lyrics describe going on a hunt, and animal names appear along the way.
For example, when “raion” (lion) comes up, it has four syllables in Japanese, so you form groups of four and sit down.
Those who couldn’t join a group continue with the song and try to get into a group next time.
Various animals appear, offering many chances to interact with different friends.
It’s a highly recommended activity.
[Childcare] Fun Rhythm Play! Recommended Games and Hand-Clapping/Hand-Play for Kids (11–20)
Ebi KanicsKeropons
Keropons captivate not only children across Japan but adults as well with soulful rhythms, comical lyrics, and lively dances.
Their signature song “Ebi Kanix” is highlighted by the chorus choreography for “Ebi, Kani.” For the shrimp (ebi) part, stretch both hands forward and strike a pose as if you’re diving into a pool.
For the crab (kani), spread your arms and legs wide and play up your facial expressions.
After that, just dance freely with lots of energy—so kids can truly feel the joy of moving their bodies and the exhilarating fun of dancing!
Mukkuri Kuma-san
This is the play song “Mukkuri Kuma-san,” which even little kids can enjoy.
Everyone stands in a circle, and one child lies down in the middle.
While singing, they walk around in circles around the child.
When the song ends, they tickle the child who’s lying down to wake them up.
Kids who don’t like being tickled might not want to be in the middle—it’s a bit nerve-racking, isn’t it?
Eurhythmics
“Eurhythmics” is a fun way to move your body to music and develop expressive skills in time with the rhythm.
Kids love activities like running and imitating animal movements.
While it’s often done with children of the same age, mixed-age eurhythmics is also recommended.
Younger children feel motivated, thinking, “I want to do it like the older kids,” and older children gain confidence by being looked up to.
You should be mindful of differences in body size, but do try enjoying it together!
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
With its upbeat, cheerful melody and playful choreography that matches the lyrics, “If You’re Happy and You Know It” is always a favorite among children.
Once they’re used to the basic dance, try exploring different variations.
Add moves even in parts that don’t say “If you’re happy, then ___,” or have the kids come up with their own ideas for the blanks.
For example, tapping their shoulders or giving a wink—these charming gestures from the children are sure to delight caregivers as well.