I always loved circle time with preschoolers … although when I had a Montessori school, we called it “line time” since our lines (created from colored electrical tape on the floor) were in the shape of an ellipse in one room and a circle in another.
I even led “circle time” twice a week when I was a Montessori school director … too much fun to give up! And songs were always one of my favorite parts of “circle time.” I typically accompanied the songs on guitar, although CDs work very well, leaving hands free to use props or hand motions. A cappella works well, too. And YouTube videos are easy to use in a home environment.
Even though there are lots of wonderful CDs you can buy that I absolutely love (and used both as a teacher and homeschooler), I’m just listing free resources here. There will be links to some CDs available for purchase as well as free resources in my Pinterest post linked to at the bottom of this post.
These are songs for any season that I’ve found online for preschool (and some for kindergarten and early elementary) teachers, whether you’re a Montessori teacher, homeschooler, or any other style of teacher or childcare provider. Of course, they’re also great if you’re a parent supplementing your child’s learning at home. Just choose the songs appropriate for the level and interests of your child/students. Even though the songs work for any type of educational orientation, I’m organizing them using Montessori curriculum areas.
Practical Life Songs
Care of Self
Handwashing songs (to help children learn to wash their hands for 20 seconds) Singing the “ABC Song” is often recommended during handwashing.
“Happy Handwashing Song” (sing 2 times through)
“Nursery Rhyme – Wash Your Hands” (sing 2 times through)
Scrub Squad from Kid Scoop.
“Rubba Dub Dub, Animated Handwashing Song” from The Singing Nurse
“The Brush My Teeth Song” by Matt R.
Grace and Courtesy
“Yes No Please Thank You Song”
Safety Songs
“Road Crossing Safety Song” from Training Happy Hearts
Sensorial Songs
“The Colors Song” by A. J. Jenkins
“Mix And Match Your Colors” by The Kiboomers
“They Might Be Giants – Roy G Biv”
“Shapes Song” by The Kiboomers
“Shapes Song” by A. J. Jenkins
Language Songs
“Ants on the Apple” (I LOVE this song! When I did my master’s school placement in a nursery in England, I purchased the book and CD of this song to use at circle times.)
“Phonics Song” (I love this series by A. J. Jenkins and KIDSTV123, too! Free Phonics Poster from KIDSTV123)
“Phonics Song 2” by by A. J. Jenkins
“Phonics Song 3” by A. J. Jenkins
“ABC Song” by A. J. Jenkins
“ABC Song” from Hoopla Kidz
“The Alphabet Song” by The LMNOPs
Math Songs
“Numbers Song” by A. J. Jenkins
“Three Little Fishies” by Kiboomu
“Three Little Men in a Fying Saucer” from My Vox Songs
“Five little speckled frogs” from My Vox Songs
Props and Free Printables for “5 Green and Speckled Frogs”
“5 Little Monkeys” from Super Simple Songs
“The Big Numbers Song” by A. J. Jenkins (Free Numbers Poster from KIDSTV123)
Cultural Songs
Geography
“The Continents Song”
“Montessori Lesson – The Continent Song”
“The Continent Song” Versions 1 and 2
Music With Nancy – “The 7 Continents and 5 Oceans”
“Red, White and Blue” (with sign language) by Debbie Clement (While you’re there, if you follow Rainbows Within Reach via Networked Blogs in the left sidebar, Debbie will send you a free mp3 of “Monster Spray,” a fabulous song for helping children overcome fears of monsters. You can leave a comment in Debbie’s Free Monster Song post letting her know you’re following.)
“Animainiacs Wakko’s, US States” (fun elementary song about states and capitals)
Astronomy
“The Planets Song” by A. J. Jenkins
“The Solar System Song” by A. J. Jenkins
Music with Nancy – “Planets, Planets”
“The Planet Song”: a funny song by Bryant Oden
“Family of the Sun” from “Exploring the Planets” exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum until 2006.
Updated lyrics for beginning:
The Family of the Sun,
Its planets number eight,
Plus other rocky, icy worlds
That we appreciate.
Updated lyrics for Pluto:
Pluto’s small and cold.
It has an icy face.
We call it a dwarf planet now,
But its still quite a place.
Songs from a Number of Curriculum Areas
Circle Time Songs That Teach from Nancy Kopman (includes teaching methods and link to YouTube channel)
Song Packet from Kelly’s Kindergarten
Little Fingers That Play – simple songs and fingerplays (lyrics and many videos)
All the Posts in My Free Song and Resources Video Series
Free Songs about Skills and Concepts
- Free Educational Songs for Circle Time
- Free Baby Sign Language Videos {Signs and Songs}
- Free & Fun Toilet Learning Songs {Potty Songs} for Toddlers
- Favorite Clean Up Song
- Free Clean Up Songs (Tidy Up Songs) and Rhymes
- Free Kissing Hand Songs, Poems, and Videos to Ease Separation Anxiety
- Free Back-to-School Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Celebration of Life Songs and Printables for a Montessori Birthday
- Handwashing Activities for Kids – Free Songs and Lessons
- Reinforcing Letter Sounds with Phonics Songs
- Free Sign Language Alphabet and Phonics Songs
- Free Sign Language Color Songs for Circle Time
- Free Spanish Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free French Color Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Songs about 100 {Free Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time}
- Educational Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays Pinterest Board
Free Unit Study Songs
- Free Fire Safety Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Arctic Animal Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Penguin Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Arctic vs. Antarctic Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Bird Sounds, Songs, and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Tree Songs and Educational Videos {Learn about Trees, Apple Trees, and Seasons}
- Free Solar System Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Peace Songs and Educational Videos
- Free Endangered Animal Songs and Educational Videos {Save the Animals}
Free Seasonal and Holiday Songs
- Free Back-to-School Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Grandparent Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Fall Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Halloween Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Thanksgiving Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Winter Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Christmas Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Hanukkah Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Kwanzaa Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free New Year’s Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Martin Luther King Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Groundhog Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Valentine’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free President Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Chinese New Year Songs and Rhymes for Circle Timed
- Free Songs and Educational Videos for Mardi Gras/Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday
- Free Pi Songs and Educational Videos for Pi Day
- Free St. Patrick’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Spring Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Easter Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Earth Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Cinco de Mayo Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Mother’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Father’s Day Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free American Patriotic Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
- Free Summer Songs and Rhymes for Circle Time
Free Video Resources Posts
- Free Royal Tea Party Videos {Grace and Courtesy Resources}
- Free Montessori Video Lessons Online
- Free Montessori Practical Life Videos
- Free Montessori Sensorial Videos
- Free Montessori Math Videos
- Free Montessori Language Videos
- Free Montessori Cultural Videos
- Free Montessori at Home Videos
FREE CHARACTER EDUCATION VIDEO SERIES AT MY BITS OF POSITIVITY BLOG
- Free Bucket-Filling Videos for Character Education
- Free Manners Songs for Home or Classroom
- Free Thank-You Songs and Rhymes for Home or School
- Free Gratitude Songs and Rhymes for Home or School
- Free Patience Songs and Rhymes for Home or School {Character Education Resources}
- Free Kindness Songs and Rhymes for Home or School {Character Education Resources}
- Free Responsibility Songs and Rhymes for Home or School {Character Education Resources}
- Free Respect Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources} – Respect is one of the core Olympic values.
- Free Cooperation Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources}
- Free Excellence Songs and Resources {Character Education} – Excellence is one of the core Olympic values.
- Free Friendship Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources} – Friendship is one of the core Olympic values.
- Free Songs about Virtues {with Character Education Themes and Unit Studies}
- Free Determination Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources} – Determination is one of the Paralympic values.
- Free Courage Songs {Character Education Resources} – Courage is one of the Paralympic values.
- Free Equality and Fairness Songs {Character Education Resources} – Equality is one of the Paralympic values.
- Free Inspirational Songs {Character Education Resources} – Inspiration is one of the Paralympic values.
- Free Taking Turns and Sharing Songs and Rhymes {Character Education Resources}
- Free Helping Hand and Helpfulness Songs {Character Education Resources}
- Free Anti-Bullying Songs {Character Education Resources}
- Free Conservation Songs for Home or School {Character Education Resources}
- Free Relaxing Music for Studying and Concentration for Kids
- Free Curiosity Songs {Character Education Resources}
- Free Honesty Songs {Character Education Resources}
- Free Orderliness Songs and Activities {Character Education Resources}
- Free Songs about Obeying the Rules {Character Education Resources}
- Free Happy Songs for Kids {Contentment, Cheerfulness, Joyfulness Resources}
- Free Self-Control Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
- Free Educational and Song Videos about Honor
- The Best Kids’ Songs for the Holidays {Traditional Holiday Songs + Character Education Songs}
- Free Reassuring and Comforting Songs to Help Ease Kids’ Anxiety
- Free Growth Mindset Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
- Free Guided Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources}
- Free 9-1-1 Songs for Kids {Non-Scary Emergency Preparedness}
- Free Disaster Preparedness Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
- Free Guided Meditations for Deep Sleep and Relaxation {Mindfulness Resources for Teens and Adults}
- Free Guided Christian Meditations for Teens and Adults
- Free Guided Christian Meditations for Kids
- Free Guided Gratitude Meditations for Kids {Mindfulness Resources}
- Free Make a Difference Songs for Kids {Character Education Resources}
- Free Guided Gratitude Meditations {Mindfulness Resources for Teens and Adults}
- Free Mindfulness Songs for Kids
- Free Multicultural Songs Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion {Character Education Resources}
Do you and your child or class have a favorite educational song?
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Marcia Murphy says
October 27, 2011 at 3:32 pmWhat a wonderful post Deb!
Marcia 🙂
Deb says
October 28, 2011 at 4:13 pmThanks for your kind words, Marcia! I always love what you share at your blog, too! 🙂
Carolyn says
October 30, 2011 at 8:45 amThat was a lot of work to compile, Deb.
We all need new songs, so thanks!
Deb says
November 2, 2011 at 1:29 amThanks so much, Carolyn! I enjoyed researching all the songs and love if I can help parents and teachers find the songs they need! 🙂
Six says
November 3, 2011 at 6:40 amFound you on WE Teach.
Sat with my son singing this morning! Thanks
I’ll use these….today!
Deb says
November 4, 2011 at 4:44 pmThanks so much! I’m glad you’re able to use the songs! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Beth says
November 5, 2011 at 4:53 amWow -you have an amazing collection of song here! The math & Planet songs were my fav! Thanks for linking up to TGIF Linky Party!
Beth
Deb says
November 5, 2011 at 4:33 pmThanks, Beth! My kids always found songs to be a great way to effortlessly learn concepts like the order of the planets. 🙂
The Iowa Farmer's Wife says
November 7, 2011 at 8:05 pmThanks for sharing! We love the AJ Jenkins songs and have used them for weekly letters (although I couldn’t find a song for letter I last week). My daughter especially love the shapes song, the planet song and the color song! I’ll have to check out some of the others. And we are definitely going to start singing as we wash our hands!
Deb says
November 11, 2011 at 4:41 pmThanks for your kind comment! The A. J. Jenkins songs really are fun, aren’t they?! And I love handwashing songs. They definitely help kids wash their hands more thoroughly. 🙂
Aimee says
November 8, 2011 at 11:52 amGreat round up of ideas! So many resources here- I love it! 😉 Thank you for sharing your ideas with us on The Sunday Showcase
Deb says
November 11, 2011 at 4:42 pmThanks, Aimee! I’m such a fan of educational songs. I had a great time finding the songs – and actually enjoy having them stuck in my head all day! 🙂
Tina Oglesby says
August 3, 2012 at 12:47 pmThis is wonderful! So glad I stumbles across it! Pinning it! Thx Deb!
Deb says
August 9, 2012 at 10:05 pmThanks so much, Tina! I always loved doing music with kids, and this was really a fun post to put together. Thanks for pinning it! 🙂
Laura Mackintosh says
December 27, 2014 at 6:57 amThese are wonderful. I know my biggest challenge has always been to get my children (aged 7 and age 4) to wash their hands long enough after applying soap for it to be properly washed off. We tried the”rub and dub dub” song which seems to work but I don’t think it is 20 seconds long.
Robertwood says
January 6, 2015 at 9:25 pmYou have an amazing collection of songs I’m such a fan of educational songs. thanks for sharing this with everyone.
Kristin Browne says
May 5, 2015 at 6:30 pmHi Deb,I have written this song based on the Montessori principles of grace and courtesy. The children I teach enjoy singing it and learning about using gentle hands. I would love it if you could share it as well.Thanks, Kristin (have shared link above)
Esperonsa says
June 22, 2015 at 11:18 amDo you have a YouTube channel with these songs on a playlist? Great songs. If I missed it on the page sorry.
Polly Zeeb says
June 23, 2015 at 7:29 amHappy to see Music With Nancy songs on your list. My kids LOVE her songs. Have you listened to the Backwards Alphabet? My 3-year-old and 6-year-old, both Montessori schooled, were introduced to Nancy’s wonderful songs in their classrooms.
Nonie says
April 19, 2016 at 9:42 amdeb, I would like to ask you about the definition of education song? because I didn’t fine any articles about it. thank you Deb
Lora says
June 22, 2016 at 12:41 pmGreat thanks for sharing
deepika says
November 17, 2017 at 4:01 amLovely ideas, Deb!
Happy to see Music With Nancy songs on your list. My kids LOVE her songs. Have you listened to the Backwards Alphabet? My 3-year-old and 6-year-old, both Montessori schooled, were introduced to Nancy’s wonderful songs in their classrooms.
Camila says
April 11, 2018 at 6:54 amI’ve always thought that music is a vital part of education and hate that schools are paying less and less attention to it. Some schools have even cut their music programs altogether. Anyway, sorry for the rant and thanks for all the great recommendations!
Rahul says
February 19, 2019 at 1:59 amHi Debs!
Thanks for these lovely ideas of educational sons. I really appreciate your work, keep it up.