Songs for Kids that are Teacher Approved

These songs for kids are tried and true and sure to entertain children while teaching them at the same time!

We took some of the top toddler songs and preschool songs that children have loved for generations, and we explain exactly what children are learning through these nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and rhyming songs.

Use these songs for kids during circle time, for small group or large group, or for some fun one-on-one time too! They’re some of what we consider to be the best songs for kids.

For some extra fun (and literacy skill-building!) during circle time, bring the songs to life with these song cards and song sticks from our store!

Songs for Kids

Math Songs

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe by The Learning Station

The Learning Station always puts a new twist on familiar songs for kids, making them engaging in a new and exciting way! This one is done with a blues beat and with an increasing tempo that keeps you on your toes. Kids will love the repetitive “na na na” lyrics at the beginning because they can sing along quickly, even if they don’t know the rest of the words. My music educator’s heart loves that they encourage kids to clap to the music – it’s a great skill!

Ten in the Bed by Super Simple Learning

Have you noticed how kids hardly ever get bored in the middle of a song like this, even though adults might tend to find it repetitive? Repetition is great for kids! It helps them know what’s coming next and is wonderful for language development. Plus, when their brain doesn’t have to strain to find the next word, it’s free to concentrate on counting!

One Potato, Two Potato by Super Simple Learning

This song has a lot to love – the sequential counting that builds early math skills, the rhyming that helps literacy, and the fact that it includes both a chant and a sung melody. All of those are amazing skills! Your kids’ brains are getting a workout!

This Old Man by Jack Hartmann

This Old Man is a jazzy, hip-hop version of the wonderful classic children’s nursery rhyme song. Your children will have such a good time singing along, moving, and counting their numbers 1 – 10, they won’t even realize that they’re learning! This song for kids can be a great brain break activity; get everyone up dancing and having fun while they are rhyming, counting and building brain and body connections with active learning and participation.

All About Me Songs

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes by The Learning Station

While this is a great “All About Me” song that reinforces body parts, it’s also a perfect rhyming song, too! Rhyming songs are great for speaking and oral literacy, and they can also help children learn to read. Check out our other rhyming songs!

Plus, this rhyming song for kids is fantastic for circle time! The interactive motions, new introduction, and creative new verse are sure to keep your kids engaged.

Fingerplays

Fingerplays for preschoolers are absolutely magical! These songs for kids are teachable moments that help children with fine motor development, pre-writing skills, language development, and so much more! Fingerplays are perfect for circle time, large group learning, small group learning, in musical settings, one-on-one, and even for independent play.

Itsy Bitsy Spider by Patty Shukla

This, to me, will always be the original fingerplay! Even before I knew how educational fingerplays are, I loved using this song in the classroom or with my own kids because it never failed to grab their attention. I love seeing their little brains work as they try to figure out the spider’s movement. I love how Patty uses her whole hands for the spider, which may be easier for young kids than the traditional finger-and-thumb spider motion.

The Wheels on the Bus by Super Simple Learning

This song is my #1 go-to when I need a song that’s sure to keep the kids engaged for a few minutes! In this version, all of the standard verses are covered, then feel free to add your own at the end! I like how they repeat the words of the verse, (“round and round,” “up and down,” etc.) at the end of the verse instead of singing “all through the town.” That makes the song accessible for even the youngest of learners, as they can be the first to get frustrated and tune out when the song is too complicated.

Alice the Camel by Jbrary

Another repetitive classic song for kids! Remember how much kids love repetition? Since their brains already know the song, they can focus on the tough math skill of counting backward. Counting on their fingers can be super helpful and will really work their fine motor skills!

Five Little Ducks by Bounce Patrol Kids

There’s a lot to love here with this beloved toddler and preschool song! They hold up fingers to count and put up the numerals big and clear so your children can develop their number recognition skills. They also include harmonies around the melody, which keeps it interesting and helps develop critical listening skills.

Five Green & Speckled Frogs by The Kiboomers

Kids can’t get enough of this counting song! Use your fingers to help count down from 5, rub your tummy for “yum yum,” and to make the “frog” jump into the pool. The music is well done and the animations are adorable, making this a great song for kids!

Animal Songs

Mary Had a Little Lamb by Patty Shukla

Mary Had a Little Lamb is a tried and true nursery rhyme for kids that is loved by all generations. Any kid’s song that includes a key change is a winner in my book! It helps keep children (and adults!) engaged and actively listening. Watch how the teacher turns the lamb’s presence at school into a teaching moment about the power of love.

B-I-N-G-O by The Learning Station

This classic song for kids definitely gets their brains working! Clapping on the beat and keeping track of which letters you’re replacing is a great mental workout. The Learning Station uses adorable animations with easy to read letters, so even the earliest readers will be able to follow along!

Old MacDonald by Patty Shukla

Another classic nursery rhyme for kids that they can’t get enough of! Patty keeps everyone engaged as she has kids call out the animal names and walks you through all the animal noises. Great song for a farm theme!

We LOVE using music as a learning tool, and have now made it one step easier to incorporate music in your classroom. You can get all these songs, plus many more, as a handy printable! Have all of your preschool circle time songs printed out and ready to go so that you know all the words and have a visual to use at the same time.

Additionally, we’ve included matching song sticks that can be used in a ton of fun ways! A special helper can draw a song stick to choose what you’ll sing for circle time.

There are 35 song posters that can be used as song cards along with matching song sticks. Use the songs and song sticks for circle time, transitions, homeschooling, and more. There is a blend of songs that you know and love as well as some new original songs we’ve created to make circle time and learning more intentional.

Need even more great preschool songs for starting the day, circle time, transitions, or any other time? Check out all our songs lists below!

Educational Songs

Music and Movement Songs

Start and End your Day with Music!

Circle Time Songs

Seasonal Songs

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Karalee Sartin

Karalee is the blog manager and resident "music education expert" for Preschool Inspirations. She has two girls who attend 1st and 2nd grade at the same school, and loves being "room mom" there!

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