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 Get Excited! Popular Hand Games and Fun Singing Games (31–40)
The Bento Box Songwarabeuta
Many of you have probably sung this at least once.
As you pack ingredients into a lunch box, it’s a playful hand game where children can learn vegetable names and numbers while having fun.
When you’re making it for a big elephant, sing at a relaxed tempo; for a tiny ant, sing faster and more rhythmically—babies are likely to listen with interest.
It’s sure to be a hit if you change the lunch box size or ingredients and sing with your own variations! It’s also great as an introduction to a field trip.
Are you good at brushing your teeth?Sakushi: Enoki Fujio / Sakkyoku: Fukuda Wakako
This is an adorable song designed to make toothbrushing time fun.
Featured on the NHK educational program “Okaasan to Issho,” it has been beloved since the 1980s, with a bright, lighthearted melody that stands out.
Its upbeat tempo naturally makes children want to move, and within the show it has become established as the cue for brushing teeth.
With lyrics and choreography that make everyday habits like handwashing and toothbrushing enjoyable, it’s sure to capture children’s interest.
Just like on the show, it’s also recommended as a signal to start toothbrushing time at home.
Whale ClockSakushi: Seki Kazuo / Sakkyoku: Shibuya Takeshi
A fantastical song that fills children with excitement.
Its soft, warm, and beautiful melody blends perfectly with lyrics rich in storytelling.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1983, it has remained popular, with reruns and inclusion on related albums.
The piece is also used in school music materials as a song that teaches the importance of time.
Listening to it during the rainy tsuyu season or on June 10th, Time Day, will surely put you in a gentle mood.
Singing it with choreography will further spark children’s imaginations.
Rhythm Game ‘The Greengrocer’
The hand game “Yaoya-san” (The Greengrocer) is a rhythm game where you clap only when you hear the name of something that a greengrocer sells.
It can be tricky to instantly judge whether an item would be sold at a greengrocer or not, but it gets fun once you try it.
To help the children listen closely, you can vary the strength and accent of your words, or say similar-sounding words that are easy to confuse—those twists should make it even more enjoyable.
A caterpillar
May is also the season when fresh green leaves are beautiful.
Many children probably get absorbed in observing insects in parks and nature, don’t they? “One Little Caterpillar” is an adorable song that depicts a caterpillar dancing and hopping with friends, then getting tired and falling asleep! You can enjoy a fingerplay by wiggling your raised finger like a caterpillar.
Numbers appear in the lyrics, making it perfect for practicing counting! For indoor play, singing while looking at picture books or field guides may make it easier to imagine.
Kids Get Excited! Popular Hand Games and Fun Singing Games (41–50)
Gramps and Grannywarabeuta
Let’s introduce a perfect traditional children’s song for gentle playtime with your baby! This piece lets you softly touch and play with your baby’s face, so you can enjoy watching their expressions change together.
It’s included on the album “Mainichi Warabe-uta from 0 Years Old,” released by King Records in August 2022, featuring the warm vocals of Emiko Kobayashi.
It’s also used in the child-rearing support activities of “Hapimoto” in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is loved by many parents.
Sit your child on your lap and sing while facing them gently.
By tuning in to your baby’s feelings and taking your time to connect through touch, you’ll create a fun, smile-filled time of communication.
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!