Childcare: Today's recommended fun songs
I think many preschools incorporate songs and exercises into morning meetings and main activities.
There are so many types of songs and exercises now that just searching for them can be a real challenge.
In this article, we introduce music you can enjoy with children today.
The content is updated daily, so you can discover new music every day!
In addition to songs and exercises, we also introduce easy-to-enjoy instruments and hand-play activities, so you’re sure to find music you’ll want to enjoy today!
Have fun arranging activities to suit each age group, and enjoy a wonderful time with the children.
[Childcare] Today’s recommended fun songs (1–10)
Panda Rabbit Koalasakushi: takada hiroo / sakkyoku: inui hiroki
The fresh greenery of May feels great, and it’s the perfect season for a trip to the zoo, isn’t it? That’s when this song—featuring three kinds of animals appearing one after another—is perfect for parents and kids to sing and play together.
With lyrics by Hiroo Takada and music by Yuki Inui, it has been loved for many years, including being featured on the December 1990 album “NHK Okaasan to Issho Best 35.” Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” this piece is especially fun because you can imitate animals in time with the rhythmic calls! The simple choreography is easy to learn right away, making it perfect for getting everyone excited on a field trip bus or at a picnic.
Be sure to strike cute poses together and have fun!
When the Dock (Japanese knotweed) blooms
Let me introduce “When the Dock Blooms,” a song with a gentle melody and a bright tempo.
It’s a song about a flower called sukanpo (dock) that blooms in spring.
This warm children’s song evokes nostalgia, depicting children playing happily and energetically in the fields.
Because it includes repeated phrases that help you feel the season, even children around two years old can enjoy joining in.
Of course, it’s also a soothing piece for babies from 0 years old to listen to.
Be sure to try singing it with your children.
Picnic
With its lively, energetic rhythm, “Picnic” is a sprightly song that makes you want to start walking.
Ducks, goats, dogs, and pigs appear in the lyrics.
Try singing while imitating their animal sounds! If you ask the children what sounds each animal makes before singing, they’ll be able to enjoy the song more while understanding its meaning.
Since it’s a song about heading to the fun place that is a picnic, sing it brightly and cheerfully with the children.
Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento
Kocchi no Kento-san’s song “Hai Yorokonde” is packed with an upbeat, fun vibe and a positive message.
Set to a lively rhythm, the chorus repeats the phrase “Giri Giri Dance,” making it easy for kids to remember and dance along to.
Released in May 2024, the track became a big hit on social media platforms like TikTok.
The choreography is simple, and dancing together is sure to bring out lots of smiles! It’s also a great pick for events like sports days and recitals.
OLA!!yuzu
How about everyone dancing together to a bright, pop song with an adorable Latin-flavored rhythm? This track is packed with exotic-sounding instruments and is easy to sing and dance to—kids can’t help but start swaying along.
It’s also famous as a theme song for the Crayon Shin-chan movie and was released in April 2015.
You can find it on Yuzu’s album TOWA as well.
With energetic choreography, it would be super cute to dance together with parents at events like sports days.
You could match the song’s title with colorful costumes, or have the kids transform into their favorite characters and dance—so much fun!
Child of AbrahamAmerika Gasshūkoku no dōyō
This rhythmic and cute song is a hugely popular children’s play song.
The lyrics refer to Abraham, a figure from the Bible, but the focus is on having fun moving the body rather than any religious meaning.
The choreography, which moves through body parts in order—hands, feet, head, and bottom—helps improve children’s physical abilities.
Masato Shimon released it as a single in June 1979, and many artists have covered it since.
It’s often used at kindergartens and nurseries for sports days and recitals, and when everyone sings and dances together, it’s sure to create wonderful memories!
Banana Parent and ChildSakata Osamu
Lyrics and melodies that make children’s hearts skip a beat.
This song is an adorable piece depicting a banana parent and child living on a southern island.
The swaying bananas in the breeze are expressed through rhythmic lyrics.
Carried by Osamu Sakata’s gentle voice, the introduction of Papa Banana, Mama Banana, and Little Banana makes you want to hum along.
Broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho,” it’s a hugely popular song among children.
Sing and dance together as a family, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time!