I know that I probably sing too much, but I don’t hear the kids complaining. In fact, it gets their attention sometimes when other things will not. I am not sure why we are a musical bunch, if that’s how it was around me when I was a kid, or if I have just always liked music. Music for me has always had memories attached to it. Lessons learned, hearts broken, encouragement through hard times. In a way it has been a force in my life. So I use that force, for the good. For tots! We have songs for everything! I have learned that the boys will listen carefully as I sing a new song and many times say, “Again?!” in response. So below are some of our daily songs that serve a purpose in our day. Learning through play and activity!
High5: Songs that Teach Toddler Skills!
5. “What’s Gonna Work? TEAMWORK!”
So we stole this from Wonder Pets. With multiples there are many opportunities to turn sibling rivalry into “teamwork”. A task of stripping beds, carrying laundry downstairs and loading the washer can be a fun activity when accompanied by this song! As we do each part, I encourage specific direction and praise them for working together. It’s fun and I get my chores done at the same time. “What’s gonna work? Teamwork!”
4. “Clean Up, Clean Up”
Each day we have clean up time, at least once. While we put toys away we sing “Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere. Clean up, clean up, everybody do your share.” At first it was definitely me alone – cleaning and singing – the boys listen and continue to play, but over time, they now prompt themselves and each other. One boy will sing and the others will join in. It’s so cute to hear one say “C’mon guys, lets clean up!” between each chorus.
3. “We’re Following the Leader”
This song began as tired boys would slurp up the stairs – dawdling, poking, sometimes whining. So I began making whoever was first up the stairs (which was the boy to listen first) the “leader”. I will sing my version of the Peter Pan song, “We’re following the leader, the leader, the leader, We’re following the leader, wherever he may go. He’s going up to bed, to bed, to bed, he’s going up to bed to rest, yes it is so. Tee dum, tee dee, a tittily dum dee day. We march along and these are the games we play. Tee dum tee dee, and this is why we say, a tee-da-lee dee, a tee-da-lee dee, dee day. [I know I butchered the song] The boys sing the first part and like to listen to all the “tee-da-lee dees”. This now works well when we are out in line or even walking and holding hands – – because we make our own line!
2. “Be Patient, Be Patient”
This is our newest to add to the collection. We rode the train at the Zoo the other day and we were the first on the train. We waiting a good 5 minutes for everyone to load – which is like a half hour in toddler time. We sat and sat. So I began talking about how we have to “wait” and taught them that waiting is being patient. To entertain them I patted my hands on my legs to the rhythm of “Be patient, be patient, don’t be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you’ll always start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too. And think of all the times that others had to wait on you.” (Can also use “I” or a name to replace “God”). The workers looked at us as all 4 of us patted our legs and I sang. Yep, we get lots of looks, but it’s worth it.
1. “You did it, You did it!”
What an amazing thing to teach a child pride in their accomplishment. A short celebratory song…”You did it, you did it, I knew that you could do it, and you DID!” I remember when N first learned to put his shoes on himself, and then would follow up with this little song “I didtit, I didtit!” (all one word). He was so very proud of himself. There is also Dora version of this song which would also work great.
Lacking for songs? Steal the tunes and change the words! We have a “Clean & Dry” song to “Deep and Wide”. When we are looking for a blanket or toy we sing, “Oh where is my _______?” for the Veggie Tales song “Oh, where is my hairbrush.” As a help for school transition, we sing “School day, school day, Thursday is our school day”… for the old “School Days” song.
Have fun! Live the Musical!!
As promised a month or two ago, here is our playlist. Daily being added too!
OUR CURRENT PLAYLIST:
- Barbara Ann – The Beach Boys
- Hello, Goodbye – The Beatles
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens
- Life Is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
- Clap Your Hands – They Might Be Giants
- Take Me Out to the Ballgame – Disney Children’s Favorites
- Party In My Tummy – Yo Gabba Gabba!
- I Can Add – They Might Be Giants
- Old MacDonald Had a Farm – Disney Children’s Favorites
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Theme – They Might Be Giants
- The Wheels On the Bus – Barney’s Greatest Hits
- Twinkle, Twinkle – Disney Children’s Favorites
- I Never Go To Work – They Might Be Giants
- Row, Row, Row – Disney Children’s Favorites
- The Itsy Bitsy Spider
- Dora the Explorer Theme Song
- Jingle Bells – Michael W. Nelson
- Do-Re-Mi -The Sound Of Music
- Rag Mop – Mighty Blue Kings
- Our Town (Cars) – James Taylor
- See You Later, Alligator – Bill Haley & His Comets
- Baby Bumblebee – Miss Dylan
- Let’s Get Together – Go-Go’s/Disneymania
- You Are My Sunshine – Elizabeth Mitchell
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
- Beyond The Sea – Robbie Williams
- Tomorrow – Annie: Original Motion Picture
- She Loves You – The Beatles
- You’ve Got A Friend – James Taylor
- Carwash – Rose Royce (70’s)
- The Wonder Pets! – Wonder Pets Children’s Music
- Off to School – Elmo/Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo
- Sesame Street – Oscar Peterson Trio & The Singers
- Sing -Sesame Street: The Best of Elmo
- The Bare Necessities – Bruce Reitherman & Phil Harris
- Lollipop – The Chordettes
- I Just Can’t Wait to Be King – The Lion King Soundtrack
- Hakuna Matata – The Lion King Soundtrack
- Down to Earth – Peter Gabriel/WALL•E
- Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head – B.J. Thomas