Preschool songs are the heartbeat of a successful early childhood classroom. Whether you are a teacher looking to manage transitions or a parent wanting to improve your child’s motor skills, music is the answer.
But simply singing isn’t always enough. To truly capture a child’s attention, you need to combine melodies with movement and the right educational tools.
In this guide, we will explore the best songs for preschool, broken down by category, and show you how to elevate your music time.
Table of Contents
- Why Music Matters in Early Education
- Good Morning Preschool Songs to Start the Day
- Best Preschool Songs with Actions and Movement
- Circle Time Classics for Learning
- Enhancing Music Time with Wooden Props
- Conclusion
1.Why Music Matters in Early Education
Music is more than just entertainment; it is a vital part of brain development. Research shows that integrating preschool songs into daily routines helps children develop language skills, emotional regulation, and coordination.
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), music experiences in early childhood can accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.
When children sing along, they are learning patterns and rhymes. When they dance, they are practicing gross motor skills. And when they use instruments, they are learning cause and effect.
Pro Tip: Don’t just sing—interact! Use physical objects to represent characters in the songs to make the experience 3D.
2.Good Morning Preschool Songs to Start the Day
The morning meeting is the most critical part of the school day. It sets the tone for learning. Using preschool good morning songs helps establish a routine that children feel safe in.
Here are a few favorites to get the class settled:
1. The Good Morning Train is Coming
This song is excellent because it can be personalized. You can sing, “The Good Morning Train is coming, how are you?” and have each child answer.
2. Hello, How Are You?
A simple, rhythmic song that encourages social interaction. Children can turn to their neighbors and shake hands or wave.
- Lyrics Highlight: “Hello, Hello, Hello, how are you? I’m good, I’m great!”
Using a routine song helps children transition from home mode to school mode smoothly.
3.Best Preschool Songs with Actions and Movement
Kids have endless energy. Preschool songs with actions are the best way to channel that energy into a focused activity. These are also known as preschool movement songs.
These songs require children to use their bodies, which helps with Gross Motor Skills development.
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
This classic teaches body parts and coordination. To make it more challenging for older preschoolers, try speeding up the tempo!
The Hokey Pokey
This song teaches right from left and body awareness. It is a staple in preschool songs for kids.
If You’re Happy and You Know It
This is versatile. You can change the lyrics to “If you’re happy and you know it, tap your sticks!”
If you are looking for preschool songs youtube playlists, channels like Super Simple Songs are fantastic resources for visual learners. However, limiting screen time is important, so we recommend learning the lyrics and performing them live with your students.
4.Circle Time Classics for Learning
Preschool circle time songs are where the heavy lifting of education happens. This is where we teach numbers, letters, and colors.
1. The Wheels on the Bus
This song is perfect for storytelling.
- Teacher Tip: Use a wooden toy bus to demonstrate the wheels going “round and round.” This visual aid helps visual learners grasp the concept better.
2. Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Great for teaching animal sounds.
- Teacher Tip: Hand out wooden animal figures to the children. When their animal is called, they hold it up. This encourages active listening.
3. The ABC Song
The foundation of literacy. Instead of just singing, have children point to wooden alphabet blocks as they sing each letter.
5.Enhancing Music Time with Wooden Props
This is where you can transform a standard singing session into a premium educational experience. While preschool songs download options are plentiful, the physical experience is irreplaceable.
Using natural materials like wood adds a sensory element to music. The weight, texture, and sound of wooden instruments are superior to plastic alternatives.
Rhythm Sticks and Percussion
For preschool action songs, give each child a pair of wooden rhythm sticks. Tapping to the beat helps with:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Counting (tapping 1, 2, 3)
- Auditory discrimination
Visual Storytelling
When singing preschool songs about fall or nature, use wooden leaves, trees, or puzzles. If you are singing about building, bring out the wooden construction blocks.
Using props ensures that all types of learners (Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic) are engaged during preschool songs.
6.Conclusion
Whether you are looking for preschool songs lyrics for your next lesson plan or seeking ways to make circle time more interactive, remember that engagement is key.
Preschool songs are powerful tools. By combining these catchy tunes with high-quality educational wooden toys, you create a rich, multi-sensory learning environment that parents and educators love.
Ready to upgrade your classroom’s playtime? Explore our range of durable, safe, and educational wooden toys designed to complement every song you sing.
