21 Toddler Songs with Motions Every Parent Should Know
Toddlers learn language, rhythm, coordination and social cues through songs paired with motions. Below are 21 classic and modern tunes with simple, engaging gestures that make singing time fun and developmental. For practical guidance on handling tricky toddler behaviors that sometimes show up during sing-alongs, see how to deal with a self-centered toddler.
Quick tips before you begin:
- Keep motions simple and repetitive. Repetition builds confidence.
- Use exaggerated facial expressions and eye contact.
- Let your child lead occasionally — following their rhythm encourages autonomy.
- Add scarves, puppets, or simple instruments for variety.
Songs and motions
- “If You’re Happy and You Know It”
- Motions: Clap hands, stomp feet, shout “hooray,” or pat knees.
- Variation: Swap in animal sounds or body parts to expand vocabulary.
- “The Wheels on the Bus”
- Motions: Roll hands for wheels, swish for wipers, open/close hands for doors.
- Tip: Act out each verse with props (toy bus) to boost comprehension.
- “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”
- Motions: Tap each named body part; speed up gradually for fun.
- Development: Great for body awareness and following multi-step directions.
- “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
- Motions: Finger climb up the spout, wash away with hand motion, sun comes out with big arm circle.
- Calming: Use gentle motions to soothe before naptime.
- “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”
- Motions: Simple rowing motion; add rocking on a lap for bonding.
- Variation: Change lyrics to “gently down the stream” or add animal verses.
- “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
- Motions: Pretend to hold animals, mimic sounds, pat lap for “cow” or “pig.”
- Learning: Introduces animal names and sounds.
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
- Motions: Open hands wide for twinkle, bring hands together for star.
- Nighttime: Gentle motions make this ideal for bedtime routines.
- “Pat-a-Cake”
- Motions: Clap, pat, and gently rub hands together following the rhyme.
- Motor skills: Great for hand coordination and turn-taking.
- “Baa Baa Black Sheep”
- Motions: Pretend to shear wool, hand over “bags of wool.”
- Social: Use stuffed animals to practice sharing.
- “Five Little Ducks”
- Motions: Count on fingers, show quacking motion, turn palms down for “went away.”
- Math: Reinforces counting backward and concepts of subtraction.
- “Hokey Pokey”
- Motions: Put in/take out body parts and spin around; emphasize left/right.
- Skills: Teaches body-part identification and directionality.
- “London Bridge Is Falling Down”
- Motions: Link arms for the bridge, raise and lower to “fall.”
- Group play: Safe for small groups to encourage cooperation.
- “This Little Light of Mine”
- Motions: Point to “light” and sweep arms outward; great for expressive play.
- Emotion: Encourages joy and confidence.
- “Five Little Monkeys”
- Motions: Jumping gestures, pretend to call the doctor, shake head “no.”
- Narrative: Builds storytelling skills and sequencing.
- “Patty Cake”
- Motions: Kneading motions, clap patterns and rolling hands.
- Rhythm: Develops timing and bilateral coordination.
- “The Alphabet Song”
- Motions: Point to each letter on a visual chart or trace letters in the air.
- Literacy: Combine with toy letters for multisensory learning.
- “I’m a Little Teapot”
- Motions: One arm as handle, the other pours like a spout; take a bow at the end.
- Role-play: Encourages dramatic play and body awareness.
- “Shake Your Sillies Out”
- Motions: Shake hands, stomp feet, wiggle body, then settle down.
- Energy: Great for transitions to help burn off excess energy.
- “Where Is Thumbkin?”
- Motions: Hide and reveal fingers, name each finger as you sing.
- Fine motor: Strengthens finger isolation and naming.
- “You Are My Sunshine”
- Motions: Gentle hand reaches and hugs, soft swaying for affection.
- Bonding: Calming and emotionally connecting.
- “The Ants Go Marching”
- Motions: March in place, count ants on fingers, mimic carrying items.
- Counting: Reinforces sequences and cooperative motion.
Practical ways to introduce motions
- Model first, then encourage imitation. Say “Watch me” and slowly perform the gesture.
- Use short sessions — toddlers respond better to 5–10 minute bursts.
- Repeat favorite songs often; mastery comes through repetition.
- Incorporate props (scarves, stuffed animals, toy instruments) to maintain interest.
- If your child resists a song, switch to a familiar favorite and try again later.
Adapting for different settings
- At home: Use more expansive movements and props.
- On the go: Choose quieter songs with small hand motions.
- In groups: Keep motions simple so all children can copy easily.
More ideas for activities and outings that pair well with music time are helpful when planning playdates or family routines; see some suggested family activities at things to do with parent.
Recording and replay tips
- Record your child singing and moving; playback helps them recognize their own progress.
- Use short video clips for family members to enjoy and to celebrate milestones.
- Avoid screen overuse—keep recordings brief and use them as reinforcement rather than constant entertainment.
Safety and inclusion reminders
- Clear the space for moving and reduce tripping hazards.
- Adjust motions for toddlers with mobility differences—use hand gestures, facial expressions, or seated versions.
- Encourage turn-taking and praise attempts to build confidence.
Conclusion
Singing with motions is a simple, powerful tool for early learning, motor development, language growth and emotional connection. For a curated checklist of items to keep on hand for outings where music and movement might happen, consult this helpful guide on what to keep in the car: 21 Things Every Parent Should Keep in the Car | Cubby. If you’re organizing group programs or considering licensed childcare settings for music activities, be sure to review relevant standards such as the Rules and Regulations for Child Care Learning Centers to ensure compliance and safety.
