Songs of Thanks That Touch the Heart: Ideas to Give to Teachers at the Preschool Graduation Ceremony
You want to express your gratitude to the teachers through song at the graduation ceremony, but you’re not sure which song to choose… Does that sound like you? In that case, we’re introducing graduation songs with warm lyrics and melodies that are perfect for children’s voices.
Each song is full of memories from the days spent with the children and the excitement of the journey ahead.
Both teachers and children are sure to share a truly memorable time.
Please use this as a guide and let your singing carry your feelings of gratitude!
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Songs to Say Thank You That Touch the Heart—Ideas We Want to Give Our Teachers at the Preschool Graduation Ceremony (31–40)
A precious treasureSakushi sakkyoku: Shinzawa Toshihiko
A graduation song written and composed by Toshihiko Shinzawa that speaks to children about treasuring the invisible “gems” they found during their days at the kindergarten: the friends they met, the songs they sang in unison, and the times they laughed together.
Included on an album of the same name released in August 2003, it has been sung at kindergartens and nursery schools across Japan ever since.
The lyrics feature many repeated phrases, making them easy for children to remember.
Choreography is also introduced so it can be performed together with sign language, allowing children to express their feelings with their whole bodies—another appealing point.
It’s the perfect song to sing at graduation ceremonies or farewell gatherings to express gratitude to teachers.
Seeing children sing while reflecting on their memories in their own words will surely touch the teachers’ hearts deeply.
Try incorporating sign language to create an even more heartfelt performance.
It will be sunny tomorrow.Sakata Osamu
This is “Ashita wa Hareru,” a staple song for graduation season written and composed by singer-songwriter Osamu Sakata.
Its lyrics are memorable for gently supporting the wavering hearts of children about to graduate, encouraging them to remember their friends especially when they feel sad or want to cry.
Broadcast in March 1999 as the “Song of the Month” on NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, the piece was created to coincide with the graduation of the show’s then “big brother” and “big sister” singers.
The message that hearts remain connected even when apart warmly encourages children as they set out into a new world.
Why not sing it together with teachers and parents at the graduation ceremony or thank-you party, cherishing those precious memories?
Goodbye Marchkowase tamami
Sayonara March is a lively, classic graduation song with lyrics by Tamami Kowase, who is also known as a picture book author.
You can almost see the children marching, waving to their friends against a dazzling backdrop of sky and clouds.
Instead of dwelling on the sadness of parting, it wonderfully portrays graduation as a bright send-off into a new world.
Even as the farewell words are repeated, the lyrics move forward in step with the rhythm, making you want to give the children a gentle push on their backs.
Released in October 2010, the album “Best Graduation Songs for Kindergarten” and many other graduation commemorative albums have featured this beloved track.
Ceremonies can feel a bit solemn, but with this song that ends in smiles, let’s watch over the children as they set off with hope in their hearts!
Flower of ThanksYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi
This is a song of gratitude sung by Daisuke Yokoyama and Takumi Mitani, aired in October 2009 as the Monthly Song on NHK E-Tele’s “Okaasan to Issho.” The lyrics and music were written by Osamu Sakata, known as the 7th “Uta no Onii-san.” The lyrics depict the word “thank you” being passed from person to person and spreading like flowers, warming the heart just by listening.
The song has been included in elementary school music textbooks and is beloved as a standard piece for expressing thanks to teachers at graduation ceremonies and thank-you events.
With its gentle melody and bright tone, it’s perfect for children’s lively voices.
When you want to convey “thank you” to the teachers who spent every day with you, be sure to sing this song.
Turn tears into a rainbowYamano Satoko
This is a song often sung at many preschools during graduation season.
Sung by Satoko Yamano, its lyrics about turning farewell tears into a rainbow make for a moving ballad.
It carries a warm message that brings not only sadness but also hope for the future.
Included on the album “Aozora SONGS,” released in April 2014, the song is also known for its lyrics by Toshihiko Shinzawa and composition by Yuko Masuda.
With its beautiful melody, it perfectly suits the clear voices of older kindergarteners.
It’s ideal not only for graduation ceremonies but also as a choral finale for recitals inviting parents.
The sight of children holding back tears as they sing will surely fill the venue with emotion.
Why not have the whole class join their hearts and sing it together?
We want to give this at the preschool graduation ceremony! A collection of heartfelt “thank you” song ideas for teachers (41–50)
Friend ~Time of Departure~Sakushi Sakkyoku: Kitagawa Yūjin
When you want to express your gratitude to teachers during graduation season, Yuzu’s “Friend: The Time of Departure” is a perfect choice.
Released in September 2013 as their 38th single, it was also selected as the required piece for the middle school division of that year’s NHK National School Music Competition.
It has been repeatedly broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and is beloved by people of all ages.
Its warm melody carries a message that even when we are apart, we can support each other as long as we keep one another in our hearts.
The bond with the teachers who have watched over the children will continue even after graduation.
Why not let the children convey that feeling through their singing? It will surely create a wonderful moment that touches the teachers’ hearts.
Everyone is friendssakushi sakkyoku: nakagawa hirotaka
After graduation, some children may end up attending different elementary schools.
But surely this song will keep their bonds connected for life.
Written by Hirotaka Nakagawa, a singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture, it was aired on the children’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki” and has since been widely sung at preschools and kindergartens across Japan.
In 1998, a picture book of the same title was published by Doshinsha, making it a work in which the book and the song together reach children’s hearts.
As it looks back on a year spent at the school, the lyrics carry a message that we can remain friends even when we’re apart—moving even for adults.
Its bright, gentle melody suits children’s voices perfectly, and singing it naturally brings out the feeling that “the days we spent together are treasures.” How about singing it together with the children at the graduation ceremony to express your gratitude to the teachers?