Recommended children's songs and hand play songs for October! Music time in childcare that feels like autumn.
The season of children’s songs that warmly embrace the heart in October has arrived.
Crimson dragonflies at dusk, cosmos flowers, golden rice ready for harvest, and children going out to collect acorns and fallen leaves… Scenes that color autumn in Japan are beautifully depicted in the lyrics and melodies of these songs.
In this article, we introduce autumn children’s songs beloved in early childhood settings, as well as seasonal finger-play songs you can enjoy with kids.
Please sing these autumn songs—cherished across generations—together with your loved ones, children and adults alike!
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Recommended nursery rhymes and fingerplay songs for October! Music time in childcare that feels like autumn (1–10)
Bright Red Autumn
One of the classic autumn songs, “Makkana Aki” (Deep-Red Autumn), with lyrics by Tadashi Satsuma and music by Hideo Kobayashi.
As autumn arrives, many things begin to take on color, starting with the autumn leaves.
It’s a very gentle song, like two people strolling together in search of those scenes.
In the comfortable autumn weather, children also have many chances to go out for walks.
It might be fun to sing this song while looking for the “colors of autumn” along the way.
Stroll March
Osanpo March gets you excited right from the prelude! Autumn scenery can feel a little lonely, but when you listen to this song, it seems like you could happily step on fallen leaves and walk along.
Its lively, march-like melody is perfect for children—if you sing it before a walk, some kids might get so eager they can’t wait to go outside! The lyrics also feature various autumn sights and traditions, so it sounds fun to collect those things as you follow along with the song.
Use what you gather to draw pictures or make toys, and create lots of wonderful memories!
Rock, paper, scissors with pumpkinOkazaki Momoko
Let me introduce a fun song that’s perfect for the Halloween season.
This track by Momoko Okazaki features choreography that incorporates the hand game “Goo Choki Paa,” which kids love.
With its bright, lively vocals and rhythmic melody, you’ll find your body moving along before you know it.
Released in August 2017, the song was used in the Halloween special of the popular character Shimajiro’s animated program, “Shimajiro no Wao!” It’s a tune you can enjoy dancing to with family and friends, so why not include it in your daycare or kindergarten Halloween event? It’s a wonderful song that brings smiles to everyone’s faces.
Recommended nursery rhymes & fingerplay songs for October! Autumn-themed music time in childcare (11–20)
Under the big chestnut tree
Here is a hand-clapping song that has been famous for a very long time.
Perhaps even people in their grandparents’ generation played it when they were children.
The tune is based on an English folk song and is titled almost the same as in Japanese: “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” The lyricist of the first verse in Japanese is unknown, while verses two and three were written by Hiroo Sakata.
It’s a song we hope will continue to be loved by children for years to come.
Red sky at dusk
Yuyake Koyake, with lyrics by Ukou Nakamura and music by Shin Kusakawa, is one of the songs that has long been loved by children.
When this song starts to play, many kids reflexively think, “I have to go home!” The melody is a little wistful, but the lyrics are very gentle.
It’s also nice that it depicts the scene after the children have gone home.
It’s a masterpiece that we hope will continue to be sung for years to come.
A squirrel is digging a hole.
When you think of autumn, many people might picture a cute little squirrel with its cheeks puffed out.
“Risu wa Ana Hori” is a hand-play song that depicts a squirrel hiding acorns in holes to prepare for winter.
With its gentle melody and picture book–like storytelling, it’s perfect for autumn strolls or childcare activities.
It’s also nice that it’s a simple hand-play with easy-to-remember moves inspired by a squirrel’s adorable motions.
If you’re looking for a cute autumn hand-play activity, give this one a try.
Meat buns and sweet bean paste buns
When the weather turns a bit chilly, you start craving nikuman and anman, and kids love them too, right? The perfect fit for this season is the hand-play song “Nikuman Anman.” Set to the melody of “Gu-Cho-Bi-Pa de Nani Tsukurou,” this song features nikuman, anman, and other Chinese steamed buns, stimulating children’s senses—great for playtime at preschool or for parents and kids to enjoy at home.
Moving their hands to the rhythm to shape nikuman and anman is part of the fun.
The easy-to-remember lyrics are another highlight.
