[Childcare] Summer songs: Full of fun! Summer nursery rhymes & finger-play songs

butterflied sardine(s)

Opened sardines—Zun-zun cha-cha, ho! A unique rhythm that’s totally catchy!? Fun fish-themed hand play. #play #childcare #nurseryteacher #children #athomeplay #handplay #handplaysong #handgame #introactivity #fish #indoors #preschoolers

Sardines, herring, Pacific saury, and salmon—these are common fish on the dinner table, but for some kids, is fish a “miss” on the menu? Here’s a hand-play song about butterflying fish, with a very lively “Zun-zun cha-cha” rhythm.

It’s so fun it might spark kids’ interest in fish.

And the highlight of the song is a giant fish(?) that appears at the end.

Turning that one into a butterfly cut would be quite a scene.

Find out what it is by listening to the song!

Slurping somen noodles

Somen slick-slurp—so fun you’ll want to do it again and again!? A funny hand play game. #play #childcare #nurseryteacher #kids #athomeplay #games #handplay #handplayandchants #intro #summer #indoors #infants #toddlers #video

When it comes to classic dishes for hot summer days, somen noodles are a must! They’re easy to prepare—just boil and chill in cold water—and their smooth, refreshing taste makes them a beloved favorite.

This song about somen playfully captures the noodles’ slippery texture, complete with hand motions.

It’s a cute tune that even conveys the cool, refreshed feeling after you’ve finished eating.

The simple melody that you can remember after just one listen is another highlight!

Morning on the RanchSakushi: Monbushō shōka / Sakkyoku: Funahashi Eikichi

Morning on the Ranch — Masako Saito

The song “Bokujō no Asa” (“Morning on the Ranch”) evokes a refreshing summer morning.

It was modeled on a ranch in Fukushima Prefecture and has even become the town song of Kagamiishi, where the ranch is located.

First released in 1932, it was later broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1968.

True to its title, the lyrics depict the morning ranch scenery so vividly that you feel as if you’re standing there yourself.

Even though summer mornings can often be hot, it might be nice to feel a refreshing summer morning through this song.

For children, it can also be a chance to imagine what a ranch is like.

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feathered robeSakushi: Hayashi Ryūha / Sakkyoku: Hashimoto Kunihiko

Hagoromo — Lyrics by Hayashi Ryuha, Music by Kunihiko Hashimoto

This children’s song, beloved since 1941, is inspired by the celestial maiden’s beautiful white, fluffy robe of feathers.

Layered onto that motif are scenes of Japan’s summer beauty, such as a cool seaside and Mount Fuji veiled in clouds.

It evokes a wonderfully dreamlike image.

Incidentally, “Monbushō Shōka” refers to songs that, at the time this piece was created, were recommended for schoolchildren after passing the Ministry of Education’s screening.

The Curry Rice SongSakushi: Tomorogi Yukio / Sakkyoku: Mine Akira

Curry Rice Song | Hand-play Video

Is there anyone who doesn’t like curry and rice? It’s such a beloved food that it even makes for a popular children’s song.

This song is a nursery rhyme that sings out a curry-and-rice recipe, complete with hand motions.

While enjoying the song, some kids might even end up wanting to actually make curry and rice.

Let’s encourage them to take on the challenge of cooking, too! I think it’s great for children to learn and have fun starting from the things they’re interested in and love.