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 Will Love It! Popular Hand Play and Fun Singing Games (1–10)
Are you okay? Whoops.Suzuki Tsubasa
How about the fingerplay song “Daijoubu? Zukko,” featuring animals that kids love? This fingerplay is full of humor and has a delightfully fun storyline.
As the animals curl up one after another and ask, “Are you okay?”, you can almost hear the children bursting into laughter.
It’s very popular in nurseries and kindergartens, and when parents and teachers join in, smiles are guaranteed! Give it a try as a fun fingerplay that nurtures communication skills and imagination.
The fish jumps.Sakushi/Sakkyoku: Nakagawa Hirotaka
“Sakana ga Hanete” is a classic hand-play song that kids love.
Besides moving their hands to the music, you can adapt it to check for forgotten items using familiar things like hats, masks, and gloves.
You can also swap “stuck to the head” for a ribbon, crown, or straw hat; “stuck to the eyes” for sunglasses or a telescope—or goggles on pool days.
Incorporate seasonal items too to boost the children’s excitement.
The Bento BusSakushi / Sakkyoku: Shinju Mariko
This fun song, which combines kids’ favorite lunchboxes and buses, is a big hit at nurseries and kindergartens.
Its distinctive style features a bright, lively melody that sings about food-character ingredients hopping onto the bus one after another.
Based on a picture book published in 2006, the piece later inspired a play-activity book, opening up many ways to enjoy it.
It’s packed with playful learning elements—helping children learn food names and develop a sense of rhythm.
Sing and dance along with your child, and you’re sure to share a wonderful, smile-filled time together.
Song of the Gluttonous GorillaSakushi: Abe Naomi / Sakkyoku: Ozawa Tatsuyuki
This song, starring a gluttonous gorilla, is a hand-play tune that humorously portrays kids eating their beloved bananas.
With its lively rhythm and catchy melody, it’s perfect for getting children excited and engaged.
After being featured on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it became widely popular.
It’s an ideal song to kick off activities at nurseries and kindergartens, or to help children switch gears.
Everyone can have fun playing along while expressing “Sour!” and “Sweet!” together!
tangledSuzuki Tsubasa・Fukuda Sho
This song delivered by Tsubasa Suzuki and Sho Fukuda is perfect for children’s favorite hand-play games.
The lyrics, which depict tangled-up ninjas and rabbits, are full of humor and are sure to bring smiles.
It’s included on the album “Shokun-Tsukun no Karamatta Tehe!” released in July 2016, and has become popular in nursery schools and kindergartens.
The rhythmic choreography and the cute little “Tehe!” at the end are sure to capture children’s hearts.
It’s a recommended track for times when everyone wants to enjoy hand-play together, such as during morning meetings or at the end of the day.
Horn, horn, hoooorn!Suzuki Tsubasa・Fukuda Sho
A singing game that excites children’s “I wonder what it is?” mood: “Tsuno Tsuno Tsū-no.” The choreography—swaying the ‘horns’ you make with your index fingers to a relaxed rhythm—is super cute, isn’t it? The unique lyrics that make kids think, “What will come next?” are fun and spark their curiosity, and they also seem to help them develop the ability to listen attentively.
A rapid parade of many animals appears, so children who love animals will be thrilled.
Be sure to belt out the final “None!” with lots of energy and have fun!
Mitsuya CiderOhtaki Eiichi
The hand game inspired by the refreshing fizz of Mitsuya Cider is a big hit with kids! The choreography, which uses fingers to count numbers as you go, also helps with number learning.
With its breezy rhythm and fun movements, it’s perfect for keeping spirits high even in hot weather.
It’s ideal for starting an activity or when you want to draw everyone’s attention.
When teachers and children enjoy it together, it creates summer memories too.
You can freely adapt it by changing the tempo to suit different ages or having pairs face each other to play.
You can just picture the children’s eyes sparkling with excitement!