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)
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.
What shall we make with rock, scissors, paper?Lyrics: Saitō Fumiko ・ Production: Good Choice / Composition: French folk song
It’s a hand game song where you combine rock, scissors, and paper hand shapes to transform them into all sorts of things! Make both hands into scissors to be a crab, both hands into paper to be a butterfly, or combine rock and scissors to be a snail—depending on the combinations, you can create many different shapes.
Before starting the song, ask the children questions like, “What could we make with paper and rock?” Then turn their ideas into original lyrics and sing—this will make it even more exciting! For teachers, it’s also great fun to see what imaginative ideas the children will come up with.
Happy ChildrenShinzawa Toshihiko
This song, created by Toshihiko Shinzawa and Hirotaka Nakagawa, is a bright dance tune themed around the power of children’s innocence and smiles to bring happiness to those around them.
With its light rhythm and memorable melody, it’s an easy-to-sing-and-dance-to track that kids can’t help but hum along to.
Released in 2001, the song has been loved by many for years and is widely used in educational settings and at events.
It’s also great to dance to together with nursery and kindergarten teachers!
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.
Five melon breads at the bakery.Sakushi: Nakagawa Hirotaka / Sakkyoku: Igirisu dōyō
Shall we sing a fun fingerplay song themed around a bakery’s melon bread together with the children? It’s an adaptation of a traditional English nursery rhyme, arranged to be familiar and appealing to Japanese kids.
The fingerplay involves counting with fingers in time with lyrics that show the bread being sold, nurturing children’s imagination.
It’s often used in early childhood settings, and this work—through which you can enjoy playful counting with children via song—is sure to be a big hit both at home and in nursery or kindergarten!
Kids Get Excited! Popular Hand Games and Fun Singing Games (41–50)
Chochi chochi awawa.warabeuta
Traditional Japanese nursery rhymes are a charming way to spend quality time with your baby.
With endearing hand and facial movements, look your child in the eyes and gently hold hands as you play together.
Perfect for deepening the bond between caregivers and children, this work has been featured in various educational programs and events, and its appeal has been passed down across generations.
You can play with your baby on your lap or while lying down, allowing you to adapt flexibly to their condition and mood.
With a caregiver’s gentle singing and warm touch, enjoy a delightful time filled with your baby’s smiles.
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.