Creating a Music-Rich Classroom: Back-to-School Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten
Updated: Aug 15
Music plays an important role in early childhood education, serving as a powerful tool for nurturing creativity, enhancing cognitive development, and building social emotional skills. As preschoolers and kindergarteners take on the new school year, incorporating music into their daily routines can help ease the transition and create a sense of belonging in the classroom. Music naturally brings us together, and engaging in musical experiences releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which helps strengthen connections among peers. By integrating engaging songs and musical activities into circle time, educators can create a welcoming atmosphere that supports children's emotional well-being and sets a positive tone for the year ahead.
The Power of Hello Songs
Hello songs are a wonderful way to greet each child and create a welcoming space. By incorporating music into the welcome routine, educators can help children feel valued and connected to their peers, encouraging them to engage more freely in group activities.
Suggested Hello Song
There are so many great hello songs out there, but the classic song "The More We Get Together" is a great example of how we can bring children together in a warm and interactive way. The lyrics themselves celebrate togetherness, making it a perfect choice. This song can also be easily adapted to include various movements, promoting engagement within the group.
For example, you can sing:
The more we get together, together, together
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be
For your friends are my friends,
And my friends are your friends,
The more we get together, the happier we’ll be
Now, let’s add some fun movements to enhance the experience! You can modify the lyrics to incorporate actions:
The more we clap together…The more we stretch together…The more we dance together…The happier we’ll be.
By incorporating movements like clapping, stretching, and dancing, children are not only participating in the song but also getting their bodies moving, which can help them feel more energized and connected to one another.
At the end of the song, you can individually greet each child by personalizing the lyrics. Instead of saying, “for your friends are my friends,” you can replace it with, “hello to Caitlin, and Jacob, and Marcus…” This personal touch helps children feel seen and valued within the group.
All About Me Songs and Activities
As young children start school, the theme of “All About Me” becomes a wonderful way to establish connections among peers. Music is an engaging way to explore each child’s uniqueness, facilitating conversations that encourage self-expression and celebration of what makes each child special. These musical activities not only support social interaction but also promote emotional development, helping children gain confidence as they share what’s important to them.
Hickety Pickety Bumblebee
Let’s start with a song/chant that celebrates each child’s name: “Hickety Pickety Bumblebee.” This song provides kids with the opportunity to sing their names and hear everyone join in:
Hickety pickety bumblebee,
Can you sing your name for me?
(One child) My name is “____”
(All together) Your name is "____"
That’s a very nice name.
If You Like _______ and You Know It Activity
Another fun “getting-to-know-you” activity is to use the classic song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” but with a twist. In this version, each child takes a turn sharing something they like. For example:
If you like (pizza) and you know it, clap your hands.
If you like (pizza) and you know it, clap your hands.
If you like (pizza) and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you like pizza and you know it, clap your hands
You can also incorporate instruments, such as shakers, to add variety. Instead of clapping, you might sing:
If you like (pizza) and you know it, shake your egg.(Children shake their instruments)
This activity not only promotes sharing and interaction but also encourages children to express their interests, helping to build connections and friendships within the classroom.
Seasonal Songs for Classroom Fun
Incorporating seasonal themes into music activities is a great way to connect children with nature and the changing times of the year. Seasonal songs provide an opportunity for children to explore concepts related to nature, weather, and holidays, enriching their understanding of the world around them.
At the start of the school year, a fun seasonal theme might be apples. Here's a sweet and simple apple-themed song that can also be used to help children learn each other's names and recognize their own name. On apple cutouts, educators can write each child’s name and spread the apple name cards on the ground within the circle. The following song can then be sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques":
Juicy apples, juicy apples,
On the ground, on the ground.
Can you find your apple?
Can you find your apple?
Look around, look around!
Children can then take turns finding their name and picking their apple off the ground.
Seasonal Song Pack
Grab my free Seasonal Song Pack here! You’ll find a printable interactive song activity to accompany each season!
Fun Movement and Action Songs
Music and movement is so valuable for children’s wellbeing. Movement songs not only allow children to express themselves creatively but also promote essential motor skills, coordination, and body awareness. When children move to music, they engage both their minds and bodies, making the learning experience more dynamic and enjoyable.
Music and Movement Ideas
Classic Songs Classic movement songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," "Hokey Pokey," and "Skip to My Lou" are timeless favorites that get children moving and engaged. Skip to My Lou can be enhanced by adding different movements throughout, such as “Wiggle to My Lou” or “Jump to My Lou,” allowing for creativity and fun while reinforcing coordination and listening skills.
Freeze Dance Freeze dance is a much-loved childhood game where kids dance when the music plays and freeze when the music stops. This activity encourages spontaneous movement and rhythm while teaching children self-regulation as they learn to stop and start on cue. To keep it fresh throughout the year, there are so many fun variations to explore. For more ideas on incorporating freeze dance, be sure to check out this blog post:
Movement and Imagination Little ones love songs that allow them to engage in pretend play and move like different things. For example, “Rocket Ship Run” by Laurie Berkner invites children to imagine they are astronauts traveling to the moon, encouraging imaginative play, creative self-expressions, and physical activity. For additional ideas on combining music and imagination, don’t forget to check out this post:
Integrating Movement into Daily Routines
Incorporating movement songs throughout the day enhances children's learning experiences and keeps them energized. We can bring movement into greeting songs, transitions, circle time, and educational lessons to reinforce academic concepts.
Building a Music-Rich Environment
Creating a Music Corner in the Classroom
Setting up a designated music corner in your classroom can inspire musical exploration and creativity. Fill the space with simple percussive instruments like shakers, rhythm sticks, and small drums to encourage hands-on play. Include a small device or speaker for playing music, along with some song visuals that children can engage with during free play and also use during structured circle time. Singable stories are also a great addition to a musical space -- many classic children's songs (like Raffi's songs) have been made into sweet children's books.
You can also display song choice cards within the music corner to enhance the space even further.
Here are some creative ways to use these cards:
Surprise Songs: Add excitement by having children take turns selecting a card from a bag to see which song will be sung.
Classroom Decor: Transform your space with these colorful cards, which can easily be swapped out throughout the school year, featuring bright "song time" lettering.
Song Sticks: Attach the cards to popsicle sticks and place them in a jar for a fun and accessible way for children to choose songs during music time.
Song Schedule: Create a music time schedule by arranging a selection of cards in the order they will be sung, helping children anticipate which song will come next.
For those looking to expand their music resources, my Circle Time Song Bundle includes 52 song choice cards, song lyric posters, visuals, and music activity ideas—providing everything you need to keep your music time fun and engaging throughout the school year. This resource can help educators seamlessly integrate music into their daily routines, fostering meaningful musical moments.
Looking Ahead to a Musical Year
Bringing music into the preschool and kindergarten classroom is a wonderful way to foster connections and help children learn and grow. I hope you enjoy the suggested activities and wish you a wonderful school year filled with laughter, learning, and music!
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