5 Chinese Nursery Rhymes to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten

Nursery rhymes play an essential role in early childhood development. They are more than just fun songs to sing; they also help children develop language skills, social behaviors, and a sense of rhythm. For parents preparing their kids for kindergarten or pre-K, Chinese nursery rhymes can be an excellent tool. Here are five Chinese nursery rhymes that are perfect for this purpose, along with their pinyin, translations, and an explanation of their benefits.

我是乖宝宝 (Wǒ Shì Guāi Bǎobǎo)
I Am A Good Child

小鸟自己飞
Xiǎo niǎo zìjǐ fēi
Little birds fly on their own

小马自己跑
Xiǎo mǎ zìjǐ pǎo
Little horses run on their own

我是乖宝宝
Wǒ shì guāi bǎobǎo
I am a good baby

不要妈妈抱
Bù yào māmā bào
No need for mommy’s hug

This rhyme is perfect for encouraging independence in young children. The lyrics emphasize the idea of being self-sufficient, which is crucial as kids transition to a school environment where they will need to do many things on their own. By singing this rhyme, children can gain confidence in their abilities to complete tasks without constant parental assistance.

找朋友 (Zhǎo Péngyǒu)
Look for A Friend

找呀找呀找朋友
Zhǎo ya zhǎo ya zhǎo péngyǒu
Looking around, I searched for a friend

找到一个好朋友
Zhǎo dào yīgè hǎo péngyǒu
I found a good friend

敬个礼呀
Jìng gè lǐ ya
I saluted

握握手
Wò wò shǒu
We shook hands

你是我的好朋友
Nǐ shì wǒ de hǎo péngyǒu
You are my good friend

再见！
Zàijiàn!
Bye-bye!

Socialization is a critical part of kindergarten, and “找朋友” helps children practice making friends. The rhyme teaches them how to greet others, introduce themselves, and say goodbye. These basic social skills will help children navigate new social settings like a classroom.

学画画 (Xué Huàhuà)
Learning to Draw

小宝宝，
Xiǎo bǎobǎo,
Little baby,

学画画，
Xué huàhuà,
Learning to draw,

大蜡笔，
Dà làbǐ,
Holding a big crayon,

手中拿，
Shǒu zhōng ná,
Holding it in the hand,

画小鸭，
Huà xiǎo yā,
Drawing a little duck,

叫嘎嘎，
Jiào gāgā,
That goes quack quack,

画小马，
Huà xiǎo mǎ,
Drawing a little horse,

骑回家。
Qí huí jiā.
Riding it back home.

This rhyme is excellent for developing fine motor skills. As children mimic the actions of drawing while singing the song, they are practicing the control and precision needed for tasks like writing. Plus, it fosters creativity and imagination, which are vital for early learning.

排排坐 (Pái Pái Zuò)
Sit in A Row

排排坐 (Pái pái zuò)
Sit in a row

吃水果
Chī shuǐguǒ
And eat fruit

你一个
Nǐ yīgè
One for you

我一个
Wǒ yīgè
One for me

宝宝不在
Bǎobǎo bù zài
The baby is here

留一个
Liú yīgè
Let’s save one for him

“排排坐” teaches children about sharing and taking turns, which are essential behaviors in any classroom setting. The rhyme makes these concepts tangible by associating them with something familiar—eating fruit. It also introduces the idea of caring for others, as seen in the line “Let’s save one for him,” fostering empathy.

穿衣歌 (Chuān Yī Gē)
Dressing Up Song

小胳膊, 穿袖子
Xiǎo gēbo, chuān xiùzi
Little arms, put into sleeves

穿上衣, 扣扣子
Chuān shàngyī, kòu kòuzi
Put on the top, button up

小脚丫, 穿裤子
Xiǎo jiǎo yā, chuān kùzi
Little toes, put into the pants

穿上袜子, 穿鞋子
Chuān shàng wàzi, chuān xiézi.
Put on socks, put on shoes

This rhyme is practical and fun, teaching children how to dress themselves. Independence in dressing is a significant milestone for pre-K kids, and this song breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps. By regularly singing this rhyme, children can internalize the routine of getting dressed. This will help them be more self-reliant in the mornings before school.

* Chinese Children’s Song Lyrics Book

These five Chinese nursery rhymes are not only fun but also educational. Each one serves a specific purpose in preparing children for the challenges and opportunities of kindergarten. Whether it’s building social skills, fostering creativity, or encouraging independence, these rhymes are valuable tools for any parent or educator looking to give young children a head start in their education.

By incorporating these rhymes into daily routines, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their new school environment.

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