[Childcare] Recommended for little kids! A fun round song that makes you want to sing!
How about trying a round, which makes singing together even more fun? Rounds, where the lyrics and melody seem to chase each other, are enjoyable both to sing and to listen to, and some of you may be thinking that you’d love for children to experience them too.
So this time, we’re introducing several rounds recommended for kids.
We’ve gathered songs that are easy even for little ones to sing and that let them enjoy the unique rhythms and harmonies of rounds—from classics many sang when they were small to songs featuring vehicles and animals that children love.
During practice, you might find yourselves getting pulled along by others now and then, but that’s part of the fun.
Enjoy singing freely together with the children in a lively, cheerful atmosphere!
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[Childcare] Recommended for little kids! A fun round that makes you want to sing! (1–10)
Algorithm Gymnasticsitsumo koko kara
Characterized by cute movements and rhythmic music, this song is perfect for nurturing children’s motor skills and sense of cooperation.
The symmetrical actions performed in pairs fit together like pieces of a puzzle, making it enjoyable to watch as well.
Released in June 2003, the song has remained beloved for many years as a popular segment on the NHK educational program “PythagoraSwitch.” It’s recommended when you want to move your body while singing with children or when you want to convey the fun of working together with friends.
Big Songsakushi / sakkyoku: nakajima kouichi
The children’s song “Big Song,” also known as a recreational song often sung at camps, is an easy piece for rounds: without overlapping lyrics, you can sing by echoing and imitating what your friends sing.
The song is notable for words that evoke the grandeur of nature—like “mountain,” “sun,” and “sky”—and lyrics that suggest hope, such as “heart” and “dream.” Along with enjoying it as a round, it might be nice to draw pictures inspired by the natural scenes and future dreams the song brings to mind, helping to spark children’s imaginations.
maple leavesSakushi: Takano Tatsuyuki / Sakkyoku: Okano Teiichi
“Momiji,” a song that depicts the beautifully colored trees of autumn.
It appears in elementary school music textbooks and is taught in class, and its lyrics use slightly challenging vocabulary.
Before attempting a round, showing photos or illustrations of the scenery described can help students form a mental image and make the lyrics easier to remember.
That said, the most important part of singing in a round is enjoying the overlaps and offsets of the lyrics and melody.
While listening to your friends sing, try practicing together—teachers and children alike—so that students can enjoy the experience of layering their own voices on top.
[Childcare] Recommended for little kids! Fun rounds that make you want to sing! (11–20)
Like that blue skySakushi/Sakkyoku: Niwa Kenji
Like a crystal-clear blue sky, this song brightly illuminates children’s hearts.
Written and composed by Kenji Niwa, it captivates with lyrics that convey the importance of a pure heart.
Released in November 2006, it is performed by Satoko Yamano and the Morinoki Children’s Choir.
It’s also designed to be sung as a round, making it perfect for singing together with kids.
Highly recommended for memorable occasions such as preschool and school graduation ceremonies.
Through this work, with its cheerful and uplifting message, we hope children will feel a sense of openness as vast as the blue sky.
A merry, merry Christmassakushi/sakkyoku: Okamoto Toshiaki
“Ureshii Ureshii Christmas” is a Christmas song based on a hymn! A gentle, unhurried tempo works nicely, but for energetic kids, we recommend singing it up-tempo and rhythmically.
With lyrics that evoke the Christmas world you see in picture books—like the jingle of bells on Santa’s sleigh and the chime of church bells—it might heighten children’s excitement for the holiday! How about incorporating a round of this song as one of the numbers at your Christmas party?
Snow DanceSakushi: Yui Keizō / Sakkyoku: Cheko minyō
Snow Dance, which was once included in elementary school music textbooks and is still sometimes taught as a round in class.
It is said to be based on a Czechoslovak folk song.
While the melody is by no means bright, the charming lyrics leave an impression, allowing you to imagine someone happily watching the snow pile up.
It would be nice to sing it as a round while enjoying the way the lyrics describing the falling snow overlap, and feeling the light rhythm with your body.
Song of the Year-Roundgaikokukyoku
Feel the changing seasons through song with “A Song for the Whole Year”! It starts with New Year’s in January and includes many memorable events for children, such as Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival) in March, Koinobori (carp streamers) in May, summer vacation in August, and Christmas in December.
It might help kids connect months with events—like saying, “It’s May, so the carp streamers are swimming!” When sung as a round, it creates a curious sensation of overlapping seasons.
The lyrics are packed and easy to get carried away, but try singing it while enjoying the transitions of all twelve months!