Numbers Song: A fun nursery rhyme and fingerplay song to sing and learn with children
When teaching your child numbers, do you ever feel like “they just won’t remember them”? It can be quite confusing that the way you count changes depending on what you’re counting—for example, ichi, ni versus ippon, nihon—so many parents struggle with how to teach it.
That’s where “number songs” come in handy! Children can naturally learn numbers to the rhythm of a song, making it fun to study.
In this article, we’ll introduce kid-friendly songs for learning numbers, from fingerplay songs that teach vegetable names along with counting, to lively tunes featuring ice cream and melon bread.
Sing together with your child and help them get comfortable with numbers!
- Japanese counting songs: nostalgic temari (handball) songs and children’s folk songs
- A song that makes learning the times tables fun
- [For Seniors] Hand and finger play roundup: Finger exercises that lead to brain training
- Get pumped with kids’ favorite songs! A memorable collection of classics that will make you want to sing along
- [Music Play] Children’s Recreational Music: Rec Songs You Can Sing and Play
- Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
- Popular Disney songs for kids | Fun Disney songs
- [Brain Training for Seniors] Recommended Hand-Play Recreation for Dementia Prevention
- Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days
- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
- [Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection
“Numbers Song” – A fun nursery rhyme and fingerplay you can sing and learn with kids (41–50)
It’s starting.
It’s a fingerplay song with numbers as the theme.
I imagine quite a few teachers and parents sing this song before reading picture books aloud.
With its easy-to-remember rhythm and lyrics, it’s a tune that even small children can sing along to.
Ofurosuki Counting Song
This is a counting song by Ofuroski, the hugely popular, bath-loving character well-known from E-Tele’s “Miitsuketa!” It’s a tune that not only kids who watch Miitsuketa! will find familiar, but one that dads and moms will probably catch themselves humming, too.
First is Ichinomiya.
It’s a classic counting song.
Many people may have had their grandmother or mother sing it to them.
The lyrics vary by region, and they can also change across generations, but it’s a song that has been passed down for many years.
Names of numbers
If you’re going to teach children numbers, the earlier the better, right? This song has simple lyrics and melody, so it’s easy even for little kids to remember.
The numbers and their hiragana readings are also shown, so you can watch the video and sing along while having fun!
Ten donuts
In this song, a cute donut character teaches numbers with a gentle melody and lyrics, helping children naturally learn what numbers are.
I don’t think there are any kids who dislike donuts, so I’m sure they’ll watch with full attention!
A mouse
It’s a classic educational nursery rhyme with hand motions.
As the field mice increase one by one, it’s great for practicing counting.
In the English version, the mice are blind, but in the Japanese version they can see—an interesting cultural difference.
The standard goes up to five mice, but with a bit of arranging, the number of mice can increase infinitely.
Fun Math
Many of you may already know this song since it’s familiar from “Minna no Uta.” It’s a track I especially want children who are learning numbers or are interested in them to hear.
Because it sings about the mysteries and fun of math, I think it could be a chance for kids to start liking math.
In conclusion
Even learning numbers, which is often thought to be dull and dry, can quickly captivate children when paired with a gentle melody and fun hand motions.
Through songs, they naturally grasp the concept of numbers and discover the joy of learning.
Why not enjoy some time singing and moving your body as you memorize? It will surely become a wonderful memory.