This section contains samples of songs that I have recorded as well as links to other online music resources. All songs recorded on this website are either written by me or from the public domain.* Users have my permission to upload, reproduce or play any of the songs that I have recorded on this site for educational purposes only.
Please refer to the "How to Teach a New Song" page for advice on how to teach songs to your students. For some of the shorter, less complicated songs, I recommend playing the recording in the background with your students when teaching the song for the first few times. Once the children are familiar with the tune and lyrics, try the song without the recording. This allows you more freedom to change the key of the song (i.e. start the song on a different note than what is on the recording). By doing so, you provide your students with more opportunities to expand their vocal range.
*According to the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), "a musical work enters the public domain 50 years after the year of the death of the last surviving composer/author of the work" ("Licensing FAQs", 2012).
Please refer to the "How to Teach a New Song" page for advice on how to teach songs to your students. For some of the shorter, less complicated songs, I recommend playing the recording in the background with your students when teaching the song for the first few times. Once the children are familiar with the tune and lyrics, try the song without the recording. This allows you more freedom to change the key of the song (i.e. start the song on a different note than what is on the recording). By doing so, you provide your students with more opportunities to expand their vocal range.
*According to the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), "a musical work enters the public domain 50 years after the year of the death of the last surviving composer/author of the work" ("Licensing FAQs", 2012).
Songs for Social and Emotional Development
Note: to download the audio files, click on "Download File". The file will open up a new page where you can right-click on the audio bar and save to your computer.
"Good Morning to All"
Try replacing the words "good morning" with greetings in other languages.
Ask your students how they greet in their language or check out these websites to find out how to greet in other languages: _http://www.rogerdarlington.me .uk/Goodmorning.html http://www.bpl.bc.ca/kids/embracing-diversity/welcoming-phrases "Sharing Song"
Sharing is such an important concept in kindergarten, so I like to expose the children to a variety of songs about sharing. The following link is a great site with several music videos related to sharing:
http://www.growinga jeweledrose.com/2012/10/10-songs-to-help-teach-kids-to-share.html |
"Name Song"
"Books Away"
"The Feelings Song"
Before singing this song with your students, you will have to discuss different emotions and how to act them out during the song.
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"Clean Up Song"
"Goodbye Song"
Just like in the "Good Morning to All" song, try singing "goodbye" in different languages.
A Song for Washing Hands (and other tasks)
You can change the lyrics of the song to suit your students' learning needs. Click on the Word document for more ideas.
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Song Games
Song games are ideal for promoting more complex thinking skills such as problem solving and inferring. These songs also allow for more movement, social interaction and creativity. Below are recorded audio samples of the songs and instruction sheets with lyrics. Because songs games typically require the students to pause and repeat the songs at various intervals, the recording should only be used for the purpose of familiarizing yourself with the tune of the song.
"Here We Are Together"
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"Someone's Wearing"
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"Puncinella"
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"I Know Mary"
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Other Websites and Resources
Online Resources
The following websites include (mostly) free song lyrics or recordings of songs that teachers can use with their students. I have tried my best to organize these websites into specific categories, however, many of them contain a variety of songs with a variety of purposes.
Websites that Promote First Language Maintenance
http://www.bpl.bc.ca/kids/embracing-diversity
The Burnaby Public Library has created a wonderful program for embracing diversity by featuring children's songs and rhymes from around the world. The website includes videos and printable lyrics in 15 different languages as well as a section where you can contribute your own song or rhyme.
www.songsforteaching.com
This comprehensive resource includes songs for all ages, plus a large selection of songs for preschool and kindergarten-aged students. There are also songs that have been translated into various languages (French, Spanish, German, Chinese and even Latin!) and traditional songs from around the world. Most songs have sound clips and resources for purchase (e.g. CD's, teacher guides).
Theme-Related Songs and Circle Time Songs
http://www.preschooleducation.com
This is a wonderful website with a variety of resources for parents and teachers of young children. If you click on the "Music and Songs" section you will find songs related to themes as well as those important "Circle Time" songs to promote social and emotional skills. This website also includes reviews of music albums for children.
http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/presch.html
If you scroll to the bottom left corner of the page, there is a section titled "Circle Time". It includes songs for greeting each other, learning names and calendar time. There are also a few song games in this section.
Songs that Promote Social Emotional Development
and Early Literacy Skills
www.raffinews.com
As a child, I grew up on Raffi. Today, my children continue to enjoy all of his classic songs, like "Baby Beluga" and "Down by the Bay". Not only are his songs catchy and hilariously entertaining, but his songs touch on an array of themes that are relevant to kindergarten, like early literacy skills, self-care and manners. In the "Educators" section of the website, Raffi provides sheet music of some of his songs.
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/preschool_kindergarten_videos.html
This website contains a small selection of music videos that your students will find entertaining and addictive! The music is modern and includes a range of themes such as "Silent 'e'", "Color Mixing Song", and "Healthy Foods".
http://www.preschoolexpress.com/music_station.shtml
The songs and rhymes from this website include some traditional preschool selections. The songs are categorized by seasonal themes as well as a general section on action songs and rhymes. There are no sound clips, so teachers will either have to be familiar with the tunes that they instruct you to sing them with or make up your own tune!
Song Games and Lesson Ideas
http://www.drjean.org
Dr. Jean Feldman, the creator of this site, is an accomplished educator, researcher and children's author. Each month she posts a new resource for teachers that will often include recent research and activities, games, poems or songs for teachers and parents of young children. You can also download her songs and lessons or order CD's and other resources from her online store.
Classic Children's Songs, Nursery Rhymes and
Popular Songs
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/index.htm
The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences has put together a comprehensive collection of classic children's songs, nursery rhymes and popular songs. Each song contains lyrics and audio samples.
http://www.bpl.bc.ca/kids/embracing-diversity
The Burnaby Public Library has created a wonderful program for embracing diversity by featuring children's songs and rhymes from around the world. The website includes videos and printable lyrics in 15 different languages as well as a section where you can contribute your own song or rhyme.
www.songsforteaching.com
This comprehensive resource includes songs for all ages, plus a large selection of songs for preschool and kindergarten-aged students. There are also songs that have been translated into various languages (French, Spanish, German, Chinese and even Latin!) and traditional songs from around the world. Most songs have sound clips and resources for purchase (e.g. CD's, teacher guides).
Theme-Related Songs and Circle Time Songs
http://www.preschooleducation.com
This is a wonderful website with a variety of resources for parents and teachers of young children. If you click on the "Music and Songs" section you will find songs related to themes as well as those important "Circle Time" songs to promote social and emotional skills. This website also includes reviews of music albums for children.
http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/presch.html
If you scroll to the bottom left corner of the page, there is a section titled "Circle Time". It includes songs for greeting each other, learning names and calendar time. There are also a few song games in this section.
Songs that Promote Social Emotional Development
and Early Literacy Skills
www.raffinews.com
As a child, I grew up on Raffi. Today, my children continue to enjoy all of his classic songs, like "Baby Beluga" and "Down by the Bay". Not only are his songs catchy and hilariously entertaining, but his songs touch on an array of themes that are relevant to kindergarten, like early literacy skills, self-care and manners. In the "Educators" section of the website, Raffi provides sheet music of some of his songs.
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/preschool_kindergarten_videos.html
This website contains a small selection of music videos that your students will find entertaining and addictive! The music is modern and includes a range of themes such as "Silent 'e'", "Color Mixing Song", and "Healthy Foods".
http://www.preschoolexpress.com/music_station.shtml
The songs and rhymes from this website include some traditional preschool selections. The songs are categorized by seasonal themes as well as a general section on action songs and rhymes. There are no sound clips, so teachers will either have to be familiar with the tunes that they instruct you to sing them with or make up your own tune!
Song Games and Lesson Ideas
http://www.drjean.org
Dr. Jean Feldman, the creator of this site, is an accomplished educator, researcher and children's author. Each month she posts a new resource for teachers that will often include recent research and activities, games, poems or songs for teachers and parents of young children. You can also download her songs and lessons or order CD's and other resources from her online store.
Classic Children's Songs, Nursery Rhymes and
Popular Songs
http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/index.htm
The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences has put together a comprehensive collection of classic children's songs, nursery rhymes and popular songs. Each song contains lyrics and audio samples.
Other Recommended Resources
These websites provide CD's or music that can be downloaded for purchase. I highly recommend purchasing some of these for your classroom music collection!
www.musicplay.ca
My students cannot get enough of the "Alphabet Action" CD's. They love the catchy tunes and dance moves that go along with each letter. Another must-have is the "Movement Songs Children Love" that includes fun and energetic songs that will get your kids moving.
www.charlottediamond.com
Charlotte Diamond is another one of my favourite children's artists who has stood the test of time. On her website, you can purchase any of her CD's and teacher guides. Diamond's songs can also be downloaded from iTunes. She sings about an array of themes that are suitable for all ages and has recordings of songs in French and Spanish.
http://www.learningstationmusic.com/
I own the "Get Funky" CD which includes songs that are upbeat and "modern" sounding. All of the songs include actions or dance moves that will get your children moving and grooving!
http://www.gregandsteve.com/
This Grammy nominated duo has a number of albums available on their website and on iTunes. Their latest album, "Bounce and Boogie", has some great songs for social and emotional development ("The Friendship Song", "Just Like Me" and "We're all the Same Inside").
My students cannot get enough of the "Alphabet Action" CD's. They love the catchy tunes and dance moves that go along with each letter. Another must-have is the "Movement Songs Children Love" that includes fun and energetic songs that will get your kids moving.
www.charlottediamond.com
Charlotte Diamond is another one of my favourite children's artists who has stood the test of time. On her website, you can purchase any of her CD's and teacher guides. Diamond's songs can also be downloaded from iTunes. She sings about an array of themes that are suitable for all ages and has recordings of songs in French and Spanish.
http://www.learningstationmusic.com/
I own the "Get Funky" CD which includes songs that are upbeat and "modern" sounding. All of the songs include actions or dance moves that will get your children moving and grooving!
http://www.gregandsteve.com/
This Grammy nominated duo has a number of albums available on their website and on iTunes. Their latest album, "Bounce and Boogie", has some great songs for social and emotional development ("The Friendship Song", "Just Like Me" and "We're all the Same Inside").
References
Licensing FAQs. (2012). In Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.socan.ca/licensees/faq-licensing