Young children feel safe and secure when they have a consistent schedule and know what to expect, and they can experience anxiety when they are uncertain about expectations.
Singing songs associated with daily routines can make transitions fun, even for young children who are sometimes resistant to moving from one activity to another.
When we are doing something less enjoyable, such as cleaning up legos to get ready for a nap or washing hands before eating snacks, songs can provide a fun distraction. Transition songs can help kids stay motivated, remember what comes next, and feel more secure.
Research from West Virginia University has found that the challenge of transitioning from one activity to the next is much easier for children and teachers when music is part of the transition. They note, “Music, when designed and used in a systematic manner, provides a way for students to work through change while maintaining positive engagement with their classmates, teachers, and environments. This, in turn, eases the burden on the teachers, thereby making the process more pleasant for all involved.”
Welcome Song: “Hello, everyone, how are you?”
You are Here Today! Welcome Song
Spanish Welcome Song: “Hola Hola”
Wash Your Hands to the Tune of Baby Shark
Wash Your Hands in Spanish to the Tune of La Bamba: “Yo me lavo las manos”