Action Songs to Teach Toddlers
Use Music to Improve Motor Skills and Listening in Young Children
Jul 21, 2009
Music is a fun and natural educational tool. Incorporating actions to accompany the words of a children’s song builds a foundation for critical toddler skills development.
Why Teach Action Songs?
Singing the words and using the accompanying movements for action songs have tangible benefits for toddler development. Participating in action songs builds toddler listening skills, which are critical for learning. Learning to listen and follow directions as a toddler sets a precedent for future educational situations.
Action songs also introduce children to the concept of group participation. Toddlers can be solitary players, preferring activities that can be done on an individual basis. By adding action songs to group activity time, toddlers can still remain within their comfort zone by performing the actions individually, while also participating in a larger group activity.
Gross motor skills (characterized by the coordination of large muscle groups that control movement and balance) are expanded, building an important foundation for jumping, walking, kicking, as well as developing upper body strength. Action songs teach balance and coordination, often involving hands, feet, upper and lower body.
The Wheels on the Bus and The Hokey Pokey are two traditional children’s action songs that are familiar to many parents and educators.
The Wheels on the Bus
The wheels on the bus go round and round (Roll hands over each other)
Round and round, round and round (Roll hands over each other)
The wheels on the bus go round and round (Roll hands over each other)
All through the town.
There are ten verses to The Wheels on the Bus, with movements ranging from simple hand gestures to actions that involve the full body. For all ten verses and a link to the music that accompanies the song, visit Songs for Teaching.
The Hokey Pokey
You put your right foot in (Extend right foot forward)
You put your right foot out (Kick right foot back)You put your right foot in (Extend right foot forward)
And you shake it all about (Kick right foot back)You do the Hokey-Pokey (Wave arms and wiggle body)And you turn yourself around (Turn in a circle)That's what it's all about! (Clap three times)
There are ten verses to The Hokey Pokey, with the entire body from head to toe involved in the actions. For all ten verses and the music that accompanies the song, visit National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services.
Children are natural movers and shakers, and the rhythms and beats of music can be magical. When accompanied by appropriate actions that involve the body and mind, action songs can be an effective teaching tool for colors, shapes, and counting. Incorporating music into a toddler's day also can increase listening skills, improve gross motor abilities, and introduce the concept of group participation,
 |
