Songs Perfect to Learn in the Pre-K Classroom

Songs Perfect to Learn in the Pre-K Classroom
Children who develop a love and appreciation of music earlier in life may go on to do better academically according to
several unique studies released over the last few years. What’s more, children in pre-K love singing fun songs, and the
experience of memorizing the words, and singing them in tune, is an excellent lesson in camaraderie. Here are some
songs that are perfect for singing in the pre-K classroom – and at home.
Best Songs for Movement
Getting kids moving is important, especially in today’s digital age where many seem content to learn from a screen
rather than through the world around them. There are all kinds of songs designed especially for small children that
incorporate movement, including the infamous Tony Chestnut song, Toe, Knee, Chest, Nut, which invites kids to move
along with the lyrics and point to the corresponding body parts (nut, in this case, meaning head.) Preschool kids also
respond well to the Hokey Pokey, which not only gets them moving, but also helps them learn to differentiate between
left and right.
Best Songs for Giggles and Laughter
Laughter, much like art and music, is a subtle but effective way to bridge cultural gaps, language barriers, and more.
Fortunately, many of the best songs that are perfect to learn in the pre-K classroom were designed to garner everything
from a simple giggle to a full-on belly laugh. Silly is the way to go here, and there are several super-silly options to
consider. One of the best is Boom Chicka Boom, a classic that utilizes various tongue twisters and plays on words that
are sure to put a smile on kids’ faces – and on yours too. You might also try On Top of Spaghetti, a play on the classic On
Top of Old Smokey.
Best Songs for Praise and Worship
There’s a good chance kids already sing many songs of praise in Sunday school and children’s church, and they may have
even memorized some hymns from Sunday Mass. However, continuing to sing His praises through the week is a great
way to reinforce apostolic values in the classroom. There are many different options, but Jesus Loves the Little Children
is a classic that is perfect for pre-K kids, as is This Little Light of Mine. For an action-filled song, Father Abraham is a great
way to learn and to get those wiggles out at the same time.
Best Songs for Learning
Finally, sometimes the best way to teach small children is through the power of song, and there is certainly no shortage
of educational options. Some of the best include If You’re Wearing Red Today, which encourages kids to not only learn
their colors, but also become more aware of themselves and others around them. Shape Up is another one that
encourages kids to differentiate shapes and get active at the same time. As they sing, they’ll use their arms to draw the
shapes in the air.
Pre-K education should combine learning with fun in a way that both engages kids and provides them with a solid
foundation for their futures. Often, there’s no better way to teach and entertain than with music, and each of these
songs, along with many, many others, provide a perfect for way for learning, fun and play.