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 & Finger-Play Songs for October! Autumn-Themed Music Time in Preschool (41–50)
autumn sky
It’s a very short piece, but as the title suggests, it’s a memorable song that evokes the clear autumn sky.
There’s a call-and-response part where you shout toward the sky, so if adults sing it, kids will surely enjoy copying them.
Even children who are too young to sing can have fun with this song.
If you go for a walk in the pleasant autumn weather, be sure to try singing it.
Recommended Children's Songs and Hand-Play Tunes for October! Music Time in Childcare That Feels Like Autumn (51–60)
Rolling sweet potatoes
Many children love sweet potatoes, don’t they? So how about enjoying “Oimo Korokoro,” a piece themed around the sweet potato harvest? It’s crafted to depict potatoes emerging from the soil while repeating the title phrase.
With lots of sound effects, it has a lively feel and is perfect for times when everyone wants to sing together in unison.
Another nice touch is the call-and-response section prepared for a big finale.
mushroom
Titled simply “Kinoko” (Mushrooms), this song takes mushrooms—one of autumn’s seasonal delights—as its theme.
The lyrics were written by Michio Mado, who created many famous children’s songs such as “Zō-san” and “Yagi-san Yūbin.” The song depicts how mushrooms grow and what their lives look like.
Set to a bright melody, it also comes with choreography that matches the lyrics, so be sure to try dancing along! Even kids who aren’t fond of mushrooms might find themselves curious and wanting to taste them after singing this tune.
Fruit Train
“The Fruit Train” is a song about various fruits riding on a train.
Kids love both trains and fruit, don’t they? The lyrics include not only fruit but also a variety of autumn delicacies, making it a lot of fun to imitate and sing along.
It seems the train runs on fallen leaves as fuel.
It’s a fun way to learn about foods that are in season in autumn!
Mr. Raccoon Dog of Genkotsu Mountain
The traditional Japanese children’s song “Genkotsuyama no Tanukisan.” It’s a very famous tune, so many people may still remember the hand motions.
You can enjoyably act out the tanuki’s day until it falls asleep through hand play.
The word “tanuki,” which somehow evokes an autumn feeling, is included, and as a hand-play song it’s a representative, familiar piece.
Sweet Potato Song
Autumn is often called the season of hearty appetites, and many foods are delicious then—but when it comes to kids’ favorite fall foods, sweet potatoes are at the top of the list! You probably have lots of chances to go sweet potato digging or enjoy roasted sweet potatoes at home or at kindergarten.
That’s when you’ll want to sing the “Sweet Potato Song” together with the children.
Its lyrics are all about sweet potatoes and it has a cheerful feel that kids are sure to love.
In particular, the opening part that mimics the sound of a little toot will really get the kids excited when you sing it together!
Sticky-bug bug
“Hittsuki Mushi-Mushi” is a play song where you stick to something that matches the color mentioned in the lyrics.
Like the game “Color Tag,” kids love this kind of play! If you’re playing outside in November, choosing colors like red, brown, yellow, and black to match the seasonal scenery makes the game easier and adds a sense of the season—highly recommended.
Of course, it’s fun indoors too, so give it a try!