[Childcare] Fun Rhythm Play! Recommended Games and Hand-Clapping/Hand-Play for Kids

The Three Little Pigs

Three Little Pigs (fingerplay song)

Enjoy a familiar picture book story through a hand play activity! Here’s a hand play version of “The Three Little Pigs.” Let’s act out the story with hand motions: the piglets gather materials and build their own houses, and then the wolf arrives.

When the wolf shows up, some children might get scared and shout, “Eek!” But the story ends with a reassuring “What a relief!” so everyone can enjoy the hand play.

Give it a try!

Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-cat

Kobuta Nuki Tsuneko ♪ [Hand Play Song] With Choreography

Do you know what kind of sounds they make? Let me introduce the hand game “Kobuta, Tanuki, Kitsune, Neko.” Animals come in many shapes and sizes and have unique characteristics.

Their movements and cries are fascinating, and many children are interested in them, aren’t they? This hand game is a perfect idea for such children! In the first verse, you imitate the animals’ names and gestures; in the second verse, you imitate their cries and gestures, so kids won’t get bored and can enjoy it all the way through.

Give it a try!

spool (of thread); winding thread; Itomaki (traditional toy spinning top), depending on context

The Spool-Winding Song [Hand Play Song]

Let’s enjoy rhythm together with children! I’d like to introduce the hand play for “Itomaki” (The Spinning Song).

Hand-play songs can serve as a tool for communication with parents, teachers, and sometimes friends, creating wonderful moments that deepen bonds.

The charm lies in being able to experience fun and learning at the same time while playing.

Through the familiar “Itomaki” hand play that parents and teachers have known since they were young, let’s move our bodies to the rhythm and melody and enjoy feeling music and rhythm! Be sure to incorporate it into your activities.

Panda, rabbit, koala

♪Panda, Bunny, Koala – Come here, come here, come here, come here, Panda, Panda~♪ [Hand play song / nursery rhyme]

Let’s transform into cute animals and play! We’re introducing the hand game “Panda, Bunny, Koala.” Become those animals you’ve seen in picture books or at the zoo! Use your hands to show each animal’s features and have fun.

Once you get used to the game, try speeding it up partway through—it can really liven things up.

Through this hand play, children can imitate and learn animal movements and traits while also developing concentration and a sense of rhythm.

It’s even funny when you accidentally do the wrong action! Give it a try and add it to your playtime.