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)
Big SongSakushi Sakkyoku: Nakajima Kōichi
Its hallmark is a “call-and-response,” echo-like style where you sing along by trailing the lyrics, making it easy for children hearing it for the first time to start humming right away.
With expansive words like sky and dream, it carries a warm message perfect for an entrance ceremony that wishes for growth ahead.
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Koichi Nakajima, the song was broadcast on NHK’s program Minna no Uta in June 1979.
It was later included in music textbooks and has long been cherished in educational settings.
The teacher sings first, and the children imitate, naturally creating a sense of unity even in the often-tense setting of a ceremony.
It’s a recommended springtime song for new beginnings, gently giving a push to children stepping into a new world.
The Root of the Heartsakushi sakkyoku: Minami Yume
This piece, written and composed by Yume Minami, who has extensive experience in childcare and early childhood education, expresses children’s growth as the accumulation of small daily changes, with the hope that these build the emotional foundation that will support their future.
Included on the album “Columbia Kids: Songs for the First Journey—Graduation Songs,” released in November 2016, it has become a staple for kindergarten graduation ceremonies.
However, its theme of cherishing first friends and new encounters also makes it perfect for entrance ceremonies and the start of a new school year.
It is a classic springtime song that beautifully marks new beginnings, ideal for parents and teachers to sing as they wish for the healthy growth of the children ahead.
Hardworking BoogieHanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
Taking off your pajamas in the morning, checking the weather forecast, jotting down notes so you don’t forget anything… It shares the little hard-working moments of everyday life set to a fun boogie tune.
With a lively, spirited rhythm, it’s a cheerful song that tells kids “working is cool.” Debuting as the Song of the Month in October 2023, “Hatarakimono Boogie” features lyrics by Morihisa Yamamoto and music by Asei Kobayashi.
Listening to this track might even make cleaning and tidying up more fun!
We were born with a bang!Hanada Yuuichirou, Nagata Maya
An intro that starts with the sound of Japanese taiko drums makes a striking impression! Let me introduce “Bon! Tō umareta bokutachi wa.” Many people probably feel like listening to this song in the summer.
Popular on the show as the song for August 2025, it’s characterized by its rhythmic sounds and call-and-response shouts.
The lyrics are easy for kids to remember, making it a standout track.
Move your body to the calls and the music, and it’s guaranteed to get everyone excited! It should be easy to include at summer festivals and events, too.
It’s a song that’s fun to listen to and fun to dance to.
The stars are good friendsboku to kimi.
Let’s have fun with a fingerplay! Introducing “Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi.” This is a great idea for anyone looking for fingerplay activities that match the season or special events.
“Ohoshisama wa Nakayoshi” is a unique fingerplay where you use your palms as stars while you play.
The rhythm is pleasant and the tempo is gentle, so it can be enjoyed by a wide range of children, from infants to preschoolers.
The lyrics are cute too, so try singing and playing together with the kids.
It also works well as an introduction before a Tanabata craft activity!
Oh, the ranch is green.
Let’s move our bodies to the rhythm! Here are some ideas for “Oh, the Meadow is Green.” These ideas are perfect for summer, when the weather is nice and the air is crisp.
They’re especially recommended if you’re thinking, “What song should we sing this month?” or “I’m looking for something with a good rhythm!” The song “Oh, the Meadow is Green” is the Japanese version of the folk song “Ach, synku, synku”/“Ach, krásná louka” (often known in English as “Ah, Lovely Meadow”), which has been sung for a long time in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
By adding some choreography, you can enjoy engaging with the music even more.
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.
