Language Songs for Preschoolers
If you have a preschooler at home, you know that they’re at such an exciting age! They’re growing, learning, and developing so quickly that it’s like you blink and they’re 10 times smarter.
As parents, we tend to notice the big things, like the fact that they’ve mastered their numbers or that they can write their names. But, it’s important to know that there are so many subtle skills that our kids had to develop first— skills that allowed for those big wins to happen. And, before our kids go to school, there are even more subtle skills they need to keep working on— skills that will help them read, write, and better communicate down the road.
Language songs are great for preschoolers because they’re fun, they’re easy, and they support the skills our children need to master before they start kindergarten. All without feeling like work! Keep reading to learn the benefits of language songs for preschoolers, the best types of language songs for preschoolers, and how to work songs and rhymes into your routine!
Language Songs & Early Literacy Skills
Preschoolers between the ages of 3 and 5 are going through such an exciting phase of development: they’re gaining super-important pre-academic skills! This goes way beyond naming their ABCs and listing their numbers, covering things the lesser-known, but equally — if not more important — foundational skills they need when they learn to read, write, and better communicate at school.
There are so many of these little, foundational skills that develop before our kids start school. But, the two we want to highlight today are phonological awareness skills and the ability to follow directions.
#1 Phonological Awareness
First, let’s chat about phonological awareness! According to Reading Rockets, phonological awareness is “the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words.”
Examples of phonological awareness include:
Identifying words that rhyme
Recognizing alliteration
Segmenting a sentence into words
Identifying the syllables in a word
Blending and segmenting onset rimes
Together, these phonological awareness skills add up to your child developing “phonemic awareness” which is essentially a more advanced version of phonological awareness. That means that these seemingly simple skills are critical for your child to understand because they help set them up for success with reading and spelling down the line.
Related: Steps To Learning To Read That You May Not Have Considered
Children are working on their phonological awareness skills every time you sing or say a song or rhyme with them. Pretty cool, right?! And the best part is they’re having fun while doing it. Your child will be in such a good place when they start kindergarten if these skills are practiced in the preschool years!
#2 Following Directions
Another thing we want 3- to 5-year-olds to practice is understanding and following directions. The problem with practicing this skill is that, well, no one wants to be told what to do all day long. And kids are no exception to that! That’s why we love practicing directions in the form of a song or rhyme.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear (lyrics listed below) is a great example of a simple song that teaches directions. You can feel great knowing your preschooler is learning basic language concepts, practicing their listening skills, and getting so much out of this one simple, fun activity!
Unexpected Ways Language Songs Benefit Preschoolers (And Parents!)
Songs and rhymes benefit both children and parents alike. They can shake up the day, improve the mood, and help our children learn important life lessons!
Songs Make Waiting Easier
Having a few go-to songs and rhymes your preschooler loves in your arsenal is key to parenting on the go. Use songs whenever you’re stuck waiting somewhere and need to find ways to entertain your child!
Of course, this doesn’t work every time. Sometimes there’s just no distracting them if they are really just over it or need to get out of the car. But, it’s definitely worth a try because some days, even buying yourself just 5 extra minutes of peace can be a game-changer!
Some of the places we like to use songs and rhymes:
In the car
On the bus or train
At the doctor’s office
In line at the grocery store
Songs Bring The Fun!
Sometimes early parenthood can feel like a long list of to-dos. Days can blend together when it’s all mealtime, playtime, snack time, outside time, and bedtime, on repeat.
Interrupting the expected by singing together can flip the whole mood of the day on its head— which is especially great if it’s been a not-so-good day. Singing releases endorphins for us and our kids. And, as long as they like singing, it makes them sooo happy. (And seeing our kids experience joy… I mean, is there anything better?)
Related: 4 Ways Singing Together Benefits Parents
Songs Make Routines Easier
Using songs and rhymes to reinforce routines accomplishes multiple goals at a time. It lets us:
Teach our kids about their world
Let them know what’s coming next in the day
Introduce new vocabulary words
Provide opportunities to practice and repeat routines
Work on direction following in a fun way
It’s a win-win-win-win-win!
The Best Language Songs For Preschoolers
Just about all songs and rhymes are great for just about all kids. But these are some of our favorite options for preschoolers in particular!
#1 Classic Language Songs
The classics are the classics for a reason! Songs like The Wheels on the Bus and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star are always great options. Especially if you know them, love them, and already know the words! Plus, you can always refresh a classic by playing with variations on the words.
Related: Variations That Make Classic Songs More Fun
#2 New Language Songs
You can’t go wrong with a classic, but you can get sick of a classic! If you need some fresh ideas, there are so many new language-focused songs out there for kids, too. The black and white videos on our Instagram feed are a great place to start!
#3 Language Songs & Rhymes
“Language songs” are songs that are fun for kids and that teach them language or communication skills in the process. As we mentioned above, songs that teach directions, like ‘Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear’ are perfect examples.
For this song, no singing is required. Simply say the words and do the movements along with them.
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, jump up high.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the sky.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your nose.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch your toes.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, hop around.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, sit on the ground.
How To Incorporate Language Songs Into Your Preschooler’s Day
If you’re not doing a lot of songs and rhymes with your preschooler right now, that’s okay! Start where you are and build up by just adding in one or two that you already know or that they already like. Slowly start to incorporate them into your day. You’ll likely find that it becomes easier as you do it more often!
Join Our Virtual Song & Storytime!
If you’d like to expand your song repertoire, you’ll love the Songs + Stories membership option within our virtual mom group community! Each month we teach a new songs and rhymes class so you can keep things fresh. And, as a member, you get access to a whole library of past storytime videos.
This super high-quality screen time option will have your little ones wanting to watch over and over again. It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-5. It’s also perfect for tired parents who need a 30-minute break from hands-on parenting!