Ways to Use Music Throughout the Preschool & Kindergarten Day

Start the Day with Music

From the very moment children walk through the door, music can be a helpful companion as they settle in and move through the rhythms of their school day.

When children arrive, they bring with them a wide range of emotions and energy levels. Some may be eager and buzzing with excitement, while others may be sleepy, quiet, or feeling a little anxious about separating from a caregiver.

Playing familiar music with a moderate, steady tempo can create a welcoming backdrop as everyone settles in. Children who are excited to start the day might naturally move, tap, or sing along, while children who need a gentler start can simply listen as they ease into the classroom.

You might try:

• Choosing a consistent “morning playlist” that children come to recognize (maybe keeping a few songs consistent while others can be added or changed over time)

• Adding some classic, familiar songs that may provide comfort because of their familiarity (e.g., Raffi)

• Choosing songs that have some encouraging lyrics (ex. greeting songs, songs with affirmations)

• Integrating some soothing instrumental music into the mix (classical pieces, soft acoustic guitar)

Welcome Children with a Hello Song

Once children have arrived and settled, a hello song is a wonderful way to bring everyone together and officially begin the day as a classroom community. Of course, every preschool and kindergarten classroom has its own rhythm. A hello song might happen right after arrival or when children gather for circle time. 

Singing together nurtures a sense of connection and belonging; it signals, “We are here, we are together, and we are ready to start.”

One of my favorite classics is The More We Get Together. The lyrics talk about being together and being a friend, which reinforces the very purpose of our morning gathering. Children can move as they sing along—patting knees, clapping, or doing the sign language for the song.

I’ve also turned this song into a simple “Everyone Belongs” craft; if you’d like to try it, you can find the activity here.

Bring Music into Circle Time

Music is a wonderful complement to the circle time experience. One of the best things about it is how effectively it encourages engagement and interaction. Music offers a multisensory experience that supports the whole child and different learning styles. This is where songs with props and visuals, simple instruments, action songs, and whole-body movement songs become especially powerful.

Different types of musical experiences can meet children where they are and set them up for success. For example, you might:

• Start with a hello song like the one above (and if we can incorporate movement into that song, even better!)

• Move to a teaching song (e.g., a counting song) with engaging visuals.

• Get children up and moving with a full-body movement song to release energy and “get the wiggles out.” Usually, I end these with an instruction embedded right into the song to find your spot on the carpet.

• Follow it up with a seated action song (a gentle transition out of active movement - a bridge) and then possibly a singable story to bring the group back into a calm, listening space.

  
  

Musical experiences are versatile, and different types of songs can be used at different times depending on what is needed.

I’ve created a Circle Time Song Bundle with 52 songs to support this kind of flexible planning. Over 30 of the songs include visuals, and the bundle features movement songs, seated action songs, along with extension ideas and variations so you can use familiar tunes in different ways. If you’d like to explore it, you can find the bundle here.

Music in Transitions

Transitions happen constantly throughout the preschool and kindergarten day, and they're another wonderful opportunity to bring music into the routine.

A short song can signal that it's time to clean up, line up, wash hands, find a spot on the carpet, or move from one activity to another. Music can provide a consistent cue that helps children recognize what is happening next without relying only on verbal directions.

I find creating little songs around routines so helpful. They don't have to be complicated or elaborate. In fact, the simplest songs (with familiar melodies) can become some of the most useful because they are catchy and repetitive. Music can also be organizing, helping children move through a transition more easily.

And transitions aren't only about getting from one place to another. A short musical cue or song can also be useful when you need to redirect attention.

The goal isn't to create a new song for every single transition. Instead, think about the routines that happen every day and consider where a consistent little tune might make the transition feel more natural.

Music in Movement Breaks

Movement breaks are a natural place to bring music into the day, and they can be used in many different ways depending on what the group needs.

For bigger movement needs, full-body freeze dance songs support self-regulation. Jim Gill’s Silly Dance Contest is a favorite: it invites active, creative movement, then asks children to freeze when the music stops. This playful start-and-stop pattern helps children practice listening, impulse control, and body awareness.

Seated action songs work well as a bridge from a full-body movement song to a more focused activity. After a high-energy dance or freeze game, a seated song with hand motions, clapping, or tapping helps children bring their energy down gradually, making the transition back to carpet time or table work feel more manageable.

And when the group needs something gentler, try calmer movement breaks, perhaps even add some gentle dancing scarves. Pair slow, flowing movements with a scarf song like Nancy Stewart’s Rainbow Colors or Colors by Kira Willey. Or practice some deep breathing and stretching with Raffi's Take a Breath.

Having different options available means you can choose the kind of musical movement that fits your group in that moment.

End the School Day with Music

Just as music can welcome children into the classroom, it can also provide a meaningful way to close the day.

Here’s a simple celebration song I created using the familiar tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” The lyrics invite children to reflect on their day and, if they wish, share something they enjoyed.

Let’s celebrate our day with a clap

Let’s celebrate our day with a clap

Let’s celebrate and say,

A favorite thing we did today

Let’s celebrate our day with a clap

Or even a short closing song can create a familiar ending to the school day and give everyone one more opportunity to sing together before heading home.