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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Kids Go Wild! Popular Hand-Clapping Games and Fun Singing Games (21–30)
Vegetable SongYamano Satoko
Welcome to the wonderful world of vegetables! This song, hugely popular with children, is full of clever ways to help them learn the names of vegetables in a fun, rhythmic way.
With sounds that express the names and characteristics of veggies like tomatoes and cabbage, just listening will fill you with excitement.
Accompanied by Satoko Yamano’s bright and gentle voice, the vegetables make their appearances one after another.
This piece is included in many children’s music albums.
It’s also recommended for nutrition education time or for singing together with kids who aren’t fond of vegetables.
If you sing while moving your body, it becomes even more fun!
Bamboo Shoot ExercisesSakushi: Nakazawa Yoshihiro / Sakkyoku: Koshibe Nobuyoshi
Featured on numerous releases, including Nippon Columbia’s album “The Best: Kids Exercise Songs,” this piece is a bright, rhythmic track themed around the growth of bamboo shoots.
Since its release in April 2006, it has remained a favorite at sports days and in early childhood activities.
The composition is by Nobuyoshi Koshube, who worked on music for NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” for 40 years, with lyrics by Yoshihiro Nakazawa.
With a comfortable tempo and easy-to-enjoy choreography, it’s perfect not only for exercise time in kindergartens and nursery schools, but also for families to enjoy moving together at home.
Kids Get Excited! Popular Hand Games and Fun Singing Games (31–40)
Child of AbrahamAmerika Gasshūkoku no dōyō
This rhythmic and cute song is a hugely popular children’s play song.
The lyrics refer to Abraham, a figure from the Bible, but the focus is on having fun moving the body rather than any religious meaning.
The choreography, which moves through body parts in order—hands, feet, head, and bottom—helps improve children’s physical abilities.
Masato Shimon released it as a single in June 1979, and many artists have covered it since.
It’s often used at kindergartens and nurseries for sports days and recitals, and when everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to create wonderful memories!
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.
Playing bus (pretend bus play)Sakushi: Kayama Bi / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
Since the 1970s, this piece has been cherished as a song that captures the excitement of going on field trips and off-site activities by bus.
It beautifully blends Akira Yuyama’s lively melody—winner of the Japan Children’s Song Award—with Yoshiko Kayama’s lyrics, written from a young child’s perspective.
The song is often featured at preschool and kindergarten recitals and sports days.
Singing it as if you’re riding on a bus is sure to boost children’s spirits! It’s also perfect for getting everyone excited before heading out.
a big drumSakushi: Kobayashi Junichi / Sakkyoku: Nakada Yoshinao
This is a hand play song you can enjoy with rhythmic choreography that mimics drumming.
Created by Junichi Kobayashi and Yoshinao Nakata in January 1955 for NHK Radio’s preschool program “Rhythm Play,” it features an appealing, easy-to-follow melody that expresses the sounds of a big drum and a small drum.
There are also cover versions by Shoko Haida and characters from “Inai Inai Baa!,” and it’s loved across generations.
The structure alternates between the sounds of the big drum and the small drum, packed with ideas that help children naturally grow familiar with music through hand play.
If you sing it while making drumming motions, you’re sure to have a great time.
Spring came pop-pop-popsakushi: kozue hikari / sakkyoku: sako shinichirō
Why not sing together a refreshing song that evokes the arrival of spring? Created by Mr.
Komichi Hikari and Mr.
Shinichiro Sako, this piece features lyrics that make rhythmic hand-play fun.
The spring-themed lyrics spark children’s imaginations, and the bright melody naturally makes you want to hum along.
Since it incorporates clapping motions, it’s perfect for developing a sense of rhythm and teamwork.
Singing it at entrance ceremonies or spring events can help ease the nerves of children who are anxious about a new environment.
Be sure to sing it with your child and enjoy the coming of spring!