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Singing with little ones is a fun and easy way to help them develop literacy skills long before they’re ready to sit down and read a book. You can make sing-alongs a regular part of your day by incorporating them into your family’s routine. Below are some suggestions for songs to sing first thing in the morning, at mealtimes, on the go, at bathtime, and at bedtime. (All of these will also work well in library story time settings.)
Morning Songs
- When Ducks Get Up in the Morning
Greet the day by imitating the sounds animals make when they wake up. - Sunny Day
Celebrate the sun with this simple song by Elizabeth Mitchell from her album, Sunny Day. - Good Morning To You
Sing good morning to your child to the tune of the birthday song. - Mr. Sun
Ask Mr. Sun to come out from behind the tree and play! This song was recorded by Raffi on his Singable Songs for the Very Young album.
Mealtime Songs
- Apples and Bananas
Have fun with vowel sounds in this Raffi classic from his One Light, One Sun album. - Aikendrum
There was a man lived in the moon and his face was made of all kinds of silly food. - C is for Cookie (or B is for Bagel or T is for Turkey)
Reinforce letter knowledge and letter sounds by singing about the first letter of the foods you’re eating. (This song works best with two-syllable foods beginning with B, C, D, E, G, P, T, V, and Z.) - Going on a Picnic
This call and response song allows you to sing about the foods your child likes best. It’s another Raffi favorite, from his Corner Grocery Store album.
On the Go Songs
- The Wheels on the Bus
When you’re waiting for a bus, or driving past one, sing about the wheels, wipers, driver, etc . - I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
Driving over train tracks? Sing a railroad song! - Let’s Go Driving
This Sesame Street classic is similar to The Wheels on the Bus, but the verses are specific to cars. - Bumpin’ Up and Down in My Little Red Wagon
This song is great for riding in wagons or driving down bumpy roads. In winter, change the words to Bumpin’ Up and Down in My Little Blue Sled.
Bathtime Songs
- Row Row Row Your Boat
Pretend to row a boat in the bathtub – and don’t forget to scream when you see an alligator! - This is the Way We Wash Our Hands
Sing about each part of your child’s body as you wash it. - Rubber Ducky
Serenade your child’s rubber ducky with another Sesame Street favorite. - Baby Beluga
Help your child imagine he or she lives under the sea like the baby whale in this song, also by Raffi.
Bedtime Songs
- All the Pretty Little Horses
This pretty song introduces interesting horse-related vocabulary as it lulls your child to sleep. - Rockabye Baby
Sing about your baby, then substitute animal names to make the song a little bit silly. - Little Boy Blue
Teach your child a nursery rhyme and sing him to sleep at the same time. - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This song contains one of the first similes (“like a diamond in the sky”) your child will ever hear!
Do you sing with your child? Feel free to share some of your favorites in comments.
I really enjoy Goodnight on Victor Vito, for ending PJ Story Time.
Me too! I sing it to my daughter every night before bed.
I needed this list on Saturday! I was cuddling a friends 15 week old and do you think I could remember any songs I used to sing to my own babies? 🙂
Ah memories… my niece and nephew (now in their 20’s) had a Raffi video that they loved.
We sing every day and nearly every night.
I like to change the words to songs that I like, to get my little ones to like them too.
And we sing Everything!! From The Stellas & The Dixie Chicks, to The Lumineers & Ed Sheeran, to Bob Marley, to Raffi.
And anything Annie!
My kids think I am crazy but the best.
They are 5, 4 & 4 🙂
I am a newly retired Pre-K teacher of 34 years. I would sing all my directions for activities and transition times to tunes I made up or piggy-backed from other songs. It worked like a charm and just made for a kinder gentler environment.
Thanks for these list of songs. My son luv these books, “”Today is Monday by eric carle. Can u recommend any other singing books or a website that list them. Thank you
Iza Trapani and Jane Cabrera are author/illustrators who do a lot of singable books. I also have a list here: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/10/themed-thursday-singable-picture-books.html