Frog singing a song

Kids Dance to These Songs

With three grandkids, I know how to keep young ones entertained through simple, upbeat and engaging children's songs. Whether you're homeschooling your kindergartner, driving in the car with your preschooler or trying to make dinner, share these songs and watch the smiles appear on their faces!

Every parent and teacher knows the moment: kids are bouncing off the walls, attention is scattered, and you need something to help everyone reset. These brain break songs work because they're designed for real situations by someone who's been there.

How to Use these Songs

    • Transition times between subjects

    • Brain breaks when attention wanes

    • Morning meetings to start the day with energy

    • End of day wind-down

  • At home:

    • After school energy
    release

    • Rainy day activities

    • Pre-bedtime silliness
    (in moderation!)

    • Car ride entertainment

  • For homeschoolers

    • PE activities without
    equipment

    • Music and movement
    curriculum

    • Confidence building
    exercises

Tips for Parents and Homeschoolers

  • When performing Rascal the Tiger, have your children wear a vest or bandana. So they can feel mighty!

  • For Jack-o’-Lantern song, it's easy to make your own prop with two orange plates glued on a stick (back-to-back). Have one side be blank, like a pumpkin, and the other side be a drawn jack-o'-lantern.

  • Turn Jack-o’-Lantern song into an acting opportunity:

    Have your kids imagine that they got the date wrong for Halloween. And they tried to go trick-or-treating. What would be the reaction at different homes? Would they receive candy? Or be turned away? Assign kids the role of greeters or trick-or-treaters (this group can dress up). And have them play out different scenarios.

  • Use song, Who Will You Be?, as a way to explore career options with your children for a week. Where you point out people doing different jobs as you go about your business and run errands.

  • In support of song, Who Will You Be?, have your kids select four Career Flash Cards. Then ask them to choose one to act out. Suggest they first use only motions, without words, for you to guess. Then have them select another card (from their four cards) and have them—with your help or the help of a sibling—act out a scene together using words and props.

    Download Career Flash Cards