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)
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.
Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun song activities (51–60)
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.
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.
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?
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!
yomogi-jōbu nowarabeuta
‘Yomogi-joubu no’ is a fun hand game that tickles children’s playful spirits.
Through a game where kids tap each other’s bottoms with mugwort or iris leaves, they can feel the power of plants and the changing seasons.
The lyrics and rhythm are simple, so even very young children can learn it easily and quickly get absorbed.
If you include it during a spring walk, kids can move their bodies while enjoying contact with nature.
Since everyone sings while playing tag, it would also be a hit as a sports day activity.
Let’s enjoy this lively hand game that brings out children’s smiles and energy!