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 (41–50)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your handsAmerika min’yō (sakushi: Kimura Toshihito)
Beloved for many years as a hand-play song, this piece was born in 1959, inspired by YMCA work camp activities in the Philippines.
Its warm melody carries wishes for peace and friendship, and its lyrics charmingly express happiness with the whole body.
In May 1964, Kyu Sakamoto recorded the song, achieving an astonishing 700,000 in sales.
It was chosen as the entry march for the opening ceremony of the 37th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1965, and in 2007 it was selected for the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “100 Best Songs of Japan.” Despite its simple structure, it is used in childcare and educational settings as a participatory piece that can be enjoyed while moving the body, with hand claps, foot stomps, and more.
A-I-U-E-O nigiriSakushi Sakkyoku: Shuu Saeko
A bright, rhythmic tune themed around the joy and smiles of making rice balls as a family.
With lyrics that spark curiosity and imagination about everyday ingredients, it captivates children’s hearts.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in April 2001, the song has been covered by many artists, including Satoko Yamano and the Himawari Kids.
It’s used in nursery schools and kindergartens as part of food education, and it’s also recommended to hum along at home while making onigiri with your child.
Piglet-raccoon dog-fox-catSakushi sakkyoku: Yamamoto Naozumi
A hand-play nursery song by Naotsumi Yamamoto that captures children’s hearts with adorable animal sounds and a friendly melody.
The lyrics cleverly link four animals in a word-chain style, blending the fun of moving your body with hand-play choreography.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” and later beloved in choral versions as well, it has continued to be cherished by many parents and children.
Why not become animals together with your child, move your arms and legs wide, and enjoy a moment full of smiles?
Animal Exercises 1-2-3Sakushi • Sakkyoku: Abe Naomi
A charming exercise song that lets kids joyfully move their bodies, taking inspiration from animal gestures.
It starts with a gentle rhythm and is packed with ideas that naturally make children want to move—jumping together to the music, swinging their arms wide—while helping develop their motor skills.
It has frequently been featured on popular preschool TV shows like NHK Educational’s “Inai Inai Baa!” and “Okaasan to Issho,” and covers by various artists have also drawn attention.
Perfect not only for sports days and morning exercise time, but also for celebrating Children’s Day with the whole family.
What is your name?Sakushi: Fushō / Sakkyoku: Indoneshia min’yō
It’s a bright, lively song that makes your heart flutter with happiness.
Based on an Indonesian folk tune, the melody is gentle on children’s ears.
With its repeated lyrics, it’s perfect for learning self-introductions and remembering friends’ names.
Adding hand motions while singing makes it even more fun and easier to learn.
It’s recommended for moments of new encounters, such as entrance ceremonies or moving up ceremonies.
It’s a lovely song that eases children’s nerves, lets everyone sing together happily, and helps deepen bonds with new friends.
Hand play ‘The Flower Smiled’Sakushi: Hotomi Kōgo / Sakkyoku: Yuyama Akira
How about enjoying a hand-play activity with the children’s song “Ohanaga Waratta,” which is perfect for spring when entrance ceremonies are held? You can make flowers with your hands and open them wide—it’s a very simple and cute hand game.
Singing together with children who may feel nervous in a new environment, or having teachers demonstrate the hand-play, could help ease the children’s tension.
This song might also convey that kindergarten or nursery school is a fun place.
Please consider incorporating it!
Let’s draw a picture in the blue sky.Sakushi: Kazumi Kazuki / Sakkyoku: Hajime Kamishiba
A song that paints a large ship in the blue sky and sings of an adventure to a new world is full of charm that richly nurtures children’s imaginations.
Along with energetic calls and cheers, its uplifting message that expands their hopes for dreams will surely resonate deeply in children’s hearts.
Beloved in kindergartens and nursery schools, this work shines in scenes where children sing together, such as at sports days and concerts.
Its structure, which lets children move their bodies joyfully while singing, is also a major appeal that enables everyone to have fun as one.
It is a cherished piece in childcare and educational settings.