Wonderful entertainment/performances

Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that will liven up any event

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

At school events or gatherings with friends, you might feel stuck when someone says, “Show us a party trick!” But don’t worry! There are plenty of simple acts that even elementary schoolers can do, like magic tricks using everyday items, playing the recorder you learned in class, or traditional skills like string figures and spinning tops.

Here, we’ll introduce lots of easy tricks that will wow everyone with just a little practice.

We’ve gathered a wide range—from things you can try with friends to quick solo acts—so find the one that suits you best!

Hidden talents even elementary schoolers can do! A collection of act ideas to liven up events (41–50)

cat’s cradle

[Ayatori Combo] Iron Bridge, Turtle, Rubber Band, Helmet, Necktie — and a Magic Trick at the End!? [With Audio Commentary] String Figures / Grandma’s Ayatori

cat's cradle

Ayatori is a traditional game where you tie the ends of a single string to make a loop, hook it on your fingers, and create various shapes.

Even many modern elementary school children have probably tried it at school or at home after being taught by adults.

Practice a lot and try performing ayatori as a party trick.

Its simplicity hides great depth, and because it has a long history, there are many techniques to learn.

Show off a trick no one knows and amaze everyone!

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Hidden talents even elementary school kids can do! A collection of performance ideas that liven up events (51–60)

Sunshine Ikezaki

[Sunshine Ikezaki] I tried impersonating him (original version) by Misaki (PRIMA DONNA)

Sunshine Ikezaki

The hugely impactful, buzzworthy imitation of comedian Sunshine Ikezaki is now popular among elementary school kids.

Just the initial “Yeaah!!” alone can send the excitement through the roof, making it a perfect performance for getting laughs.

A few tips: crank your energy to the max; do not act shy; don’t stumble over your words; avoid rushing or speaking too fast; and try it with your eyes wide open.

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Juggling

The simplest way for complete beginners and kids to start 3-ball juggling: A first lesson on the Cascade

Juggling

A hidden talent that makes children’s eyes light up: juggling.

The balls that float lightly through the air captivate anyone watching.

If you show it off during recess or at a performance, you’re sure to get a round of applause.

It might be hard until you get the hang of it, but with practice you’ll be able to do it.

Try starting by practicing with everyday items while watching videos on YouTube or other sites.

Juggling also helps develop coordination and concentration.

Create your own one-of-a-kind show, and you might just become the star of your class.

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Dance Battle

First time trying a dance battle! The kids' first battle!

Dance Battle

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, breaking was introduced as a new event, and many of you probably saw dance battles for the first time.

If you’re looking for a group-friendly party trick, why not try a dance battle? Dancers take turns showcasing their moves and compete on technique and execution, so if you’ve been taking classes or practicing, it can absolutely work as a hidden talent! Dance with confidence and steal the spotlight!

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tablecloth trick

tablecloth trick

tablecloth trick

Tablecloth pulling is a party trick that’s popular during recess and at school performances in elementary schools.

Though simple yet visually dramatic, it actually requires delicate technique.

Pull it off and you’ll be greeted with applause and cheers; if you fail, it easily turns into laughter—so thorough practice is essential.

The key point is not to yank hard, but to pull smoothly downward.

Master this widely recognizable yet approachable tablecloth pull and amaze your classmates.

Practice well and aim for a flawless performance to create a heart-pounding moment.

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Bubble Dance

Elementary schooler bubble dance!

Bubble Dance

Bubbly dance routines are hugely popular even as entertainment for adults, but kids are keeping up just fine.

It looks like an elementary school would get hyped with just a single “Ottamage!!” In this video, I was amazed that elementary school students could dance this perfectly, and if they can get into character this much and deliver such sharp moves, even adults would give a standing ovation.

Why not aim for this video as a benchmark and show off a razor-sharp dance of your own?

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balloon art

[Balloon Art Course] Part 4: Heart Edition [Creating a Piece] How to make a balloon modeling 'heart'

balloon art

Balloon art tends to seem difficult, doesn’t it? But if you can quickly make what looks like a tricky balloon art piece in a stylish way, it’s sure to be a hit! This video shows how to make a heart shape without twisting the balloon.

You could even make a few and give them as gifts to people watching.

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