Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
Kids love fingerplay! When the teacher cheerfully sings and moves their hands, the children’s eyes light up as if to say, “What’s starting?” They gaze intently or try to imitate, showing such adorable reactions.
Fingerplay is essential in early childhood settings—for introducing activities or drawing children’s attention.
So this time, we’re introducing popular fingerplays and action songs for kids.
From classic routines often used in nurseries and kindergartens to trendy new ones, we’ve got plenty that will captivate children.
Find options that match their interests and age, and give them a try!
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- [For 0-year-olds] Recommended songs for babies: A special feature on bonding play and traditional nursery rhymes
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Kids Go Wild! Popular Hand-Clapping Games and Fun Singing Games (21–30)
Song of Feathers
This song was created for Shimajiro no Wao!, an educational program that values nurturing children’s vocabulary and knowledge.
Released in September 2013, the song joyfully introduces words that begin with the syllable “ke,” set to a rhythmic melody.
Within the show, children can naturally encounter new words as they sing and dance along with Shimajiro.
The video features illustrations and animations that match the words, richly incorporating visual elements.
This piece is a friendly, accessible song that allows children to enjoy language through singing, whether at home or in childcare settings.
The Hiragana Song
It’s a wonderful song that sets the fun of learning hiragana to melody and rhythm.
While cherishing children’s curiosity, Shimajiro’s bright and friendly voice gently guides them into the world of hiragana.
Since 1993, this piece has been loved as part of the “Kodomo Challenge” learning materials and is also used on the TV program “Shimajiro no Wao!”.
It’s designed to spark children’s natural interest in letters through both visual and auditory elements.
It’s perfect not only for learning hiragana in nursery schools and kindergartens but also for enjoying at home—sing along with your children and help them get familiar with letters in a fun way.
Kids Get Excited! Popular Hand Games and Fun Singing Games (31–40)
Churippu sharippuwarabe uta
Simple yet profound, this nursery rhyme captivates children’s hearts.
The part where everyone stands in a circle and calls each other’s names is perfect for nurturing communication skills and social development.
Its rhythmic lyrics and melody are fun and easy to memorize.
In preschools and kindergartens, it’s also used as an icebreaker to ease the nerves of new children.
At home, singing and playing it together as a family can make for a delightful time.
It can be enjoyed from infancy.
When the spring weather invites you outdoors, why not form a circle and sing it together?
Picnicdeguchi takashi
A song that gently portrays the fun of a picnic in a meadow and warm interactions with flowers and insects, highlighted by Takashi Deguchi’s uniquely soothing vocals.
Released on an album in November 2022, it was also featured on a children’s educational TV program.
Perfect as a fingerplay song for singing and dancing with kids—ideal for activities at daycare and kindergarten, as well as family bonding time.
Since numbers appear in the lyrics, it’s also great for practicing counting!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Hand play with a song everyone knows! Let’s introduce “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” It’s also one of the songs often sung as a lullaby.
How about incorporating it into your activities as a hand play this time? Imagine your palms as stars and express the sparkling, shining stars.
The choreography is easy to understand and doesn’t have any complex movements, so it seems enjoyable from infant to preschool classes.
Try adding “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to eurhythmics, morning meetings, or closing circles.
Let’s clap our handssakushi: kobayashi jun’ichi/genkyoku: cheko minyō
This warm song expresses joy beginning with the simple act of clapping, naturally resonating with children’s hearts.
With Japanese lyrics by Junichi Kobayashi set to a Czech folk melody, it features an easy-to-remember tune and friendly words, and is often sung in nursery schools and kindergartens.
It has also been featured on NHK educational programs and in collections of children’s songs, remaining beloved across generations.
Because the clapping motion helps develop a sense of rhythm and motor skills, it serves not only as a tool for parent-child communication but is also an ideal piece for recreational activities in senior care facilities.
The fish jumps.
A refreshing hand game! Let me share some ideas for “Sakana ga Hanete” (Fish Jumping).
When you think of summer, many people probably imagine watersides like rivers and the sea, right? This is a unique fish-themed hand game you’ll want to use before fish-related crafts or dances.
Before starting the game, it could be fun to ask the children how they would react if a fish suddenly jumped—boing!—out of the water.
In this playful activity, fish hop onto different parts of the body and stick there, then keep transforming one after another—such a unique hand game!