Activities
Perhaps one of the best ways to inspire young minds and develop little imaginations is through music. Children naturally love to sing and dance. They are delighted by silly diddies and raucous tunes, so exposing little ones to music is a joy–until you realize Skinnamirinky Dinky Dink has been playing on loop in your head for the last three days.
Fortunately for parents and early childhood educators, there are plenty of songs for children that won’t make you want to jam Play-Doh in your ears. Check out this playlist of children’s songs and kid-friendly adult songs that’s so good you might even find yourself listening to it in your car after school.
1. Snoozers by Kevin Bacon and the Bacon Brothers
Like every song on the fantastic 2002 album Sandra Boyton’s Philadelphia Chickens, this song is a blast. The lyrics are witty, and the song ends with a rockin’ beat that will have your little ones doing anything but snoozing–so be sure you don’t play this one before nap time.
2. Jenny Jenkins by Jerry Garcia and David Grisam
Best known as a founding member of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia also released a children’s album titled Not for Kids Only in 1993 loaded with fun songs for kids and adults too.
3. I Hear You Knockin’ by Hot Peas and Butter
Known as a multi-cultural family band, Hot Peas and Butter incorporates multiple languages and musical traditions into their songs. This song will surely have your students singing and dancing along, but do yourself a favor and check out all the songs from this award-winning group.
4. Pecos Bill by Buck Howdy
With humor and a catchy tune, Buck Howdy tells the legendary tall tale of Pecos Bill, a cowboy who performed such fantastical feats as digging the Rio Grande and filling the Gulf of Mexico with water.
5. The Dinosaur Song by Johnny Cash
As a huge Johnny Cash fan, I am embarrassed to say I only recently discovered he made a children’s album. The entire thing is worth listening to, but any child who loves dinosaurs will be particularly delighted by this gem.
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6. Victor Vito by the Laurie Berkner Band
Anyone who grew up in the late 90s or early 00s will likely remember this classic, frequently featured on Nickelodeon. With all those claps–They ate their rice (clap clap.) They ate their beans (clap clap)–and fast/slow lyrics, your students will love singing and dancing to this Gen Z childhood classic.
7. All I Want is You by Barry Louis Polisar
Polisar is a singer, songwriter, and poet who writes songs for children and adults. All I Want Is You is a love song featured in the opening credits of the movie Juno, but it is sweet and simple enough to be included on a playlist for children.
8. Big Rock Candy Mountain by Lisa Loeb
Admittedly, I am more a fan of the Harry McClintock version of this song from the 2000 film, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, but the Loeb version makes no mention of cigarette trees, so it’s arguably more age appropriate for pre-schoolers and early elementary.
9. The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens
I don’t care how old you are–it’s impossible not to sing along to this one.
10. Day Dream Believer by Renee and Jeremy
According to their website, Renee and Jeremy “…have essentially taken a wealth of classic songs… and reinvented them as understated whisper-folk meets ambient minimalism…” Be sure to check out their cover of Guns and Roses’ Sweet Child O’ Mine too!
11. September by Earth, Wind, and Fire
This really is the perfect dance party song for every generation. Turn it on, and show your kiddos your moves.
12. Mustang Sally by Wilson Picket
This is a song about a woman who doesn’t want to do anything but ride around in her new car all day, but even if they can’t relate to the theme, little children will love to chime in on the chorus…Riiiiiide, Sally! Ride!
13. This Land Is Your Land by the Avett Brothers
This song is a staple of American childhood, and fans of the Avett Brothers will appreciate this updated version.
14. Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
This song is feel-good listen for music lovers of all ages!
15. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson
I don’t know what it is about this song, but it is an instant pick-me-up Your students will love it.
16. 18 Wheels on a Big Rig by Trout Fishing in America
A silly counting song about big trucks! What could be better?
17. Stompy the Bear by Caspar Babypants
This song gives 90s alt rock with a hint of whimsy, making it a perfect fit for both teachers and little ones.
18. Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell
This song is super fun, but more importantly (according to Spotify), Russell’s 10th grade history teacher said he was “…a pleasure to have in class…always polite…always completes assignments in a timely manner.” And really, I think that’s all we need to know.
19. Allergies by the Bare Naked Ladies
Their album Snack Time is a bit of a departure from BLN’s other award-winning music, but all your sneezing, sniffling kiddos will definitely relate to this song.
20. Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
Even though not technically about a mom, little ones love any song about Mama, and this classic is a favorite of grown-ups too.
21. U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
What adult-friendly classroom playlist would be complete without a song for the Gen X teacher?
Honestly, when it comes to music both kids and adults can enjoy, the list is endless. What songs would you add to this playlist?
