What songs do they sing in kindergarten?
In this article, you’ll learn why certain songs are particularly valuable in preschool and which ones they are. We’ll provide examples of greeting songs, movement songs, and seasonal songs for everyday life at preschool, and offer tips on choosing songs. We’ll also clarify legal issues (GEMA/VG Musikedition).
Why Songs Are So Important in Preschool
Singing promotes language development and a sense of community. Children expand their vocabulary when they hear songs in preschool and sing along. Rhymes and melodies make it easier to learn new words. Children often feel understood more easily when they communicate through music. Motor skills also benefit: When clapping, dancing, or making simple movements to the song, children connect physical experiences with music.
Singing together fosters a sense of community. Studies show that group singing reduces stress and fosters a sense of closeness. This allows children to engage holistically—with their minds, hearts, and hands. Even educators benefit from established rituals during morning circle time: A short welcome song in the morning sets the tone for the day and provides a sense of stability. The important thing is: You don’t need a perfect voice. Every voice counts!
Morning Circle and Welcome Songs
Morning circle kicks off the day at daycare. A cheerful welcome song signals, “We’re here now!” Popular classics include, for example:
- “Good morning, we wave to each other.”
- “Hi, hi, it’s great to have you here.”
- “Brother Jacob” (often sung as a canon).
- “All my little ducklings.”
- A short “Hand-Washing Song” to sing while washing your hands (original lyrics).
- As a closing song: “Mimi, Mimi, go to sleep” or another farewell ritual.
Repetition is key: It’s better to sing a few songs regularly than many songs only rarely. Memory thrives on repetition. Small cues can help get things started: The sound of a singing bowl or a bell before the first song draws everyone’s attention without having to shout. This way, the group quickly learns the shared signal to begin.
Movement Songs for Action and Calm
Physical activity makes children happy and tired. With sing-along songs, you can channel their energy and practice mindfulness at the same time. Some classics include:
- “If you’re happy, clap your hands.”
- “Aramsamsam.”
- “Hokey Pokey” (left hand in, left hand out, …).
- “I’m a chubby dancing bear—come on, jump around with me!”
- “We’re riding the train, one step forward (back).”
- “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
Let the children help decide: One child counts or demonstrates, and then switches places with a friend. This keeps even older children engaged. If it gets too loud, switch to a “whisper song”: You sing softly, and the group will automatically listen. For quieter moments, sing slowly and with pauses. This turns an action song into a gentle farewell or relaxation song.
Seasonal and Festive Songs Throughout the Liturgical Year
The seasons provide wonderful opportunities for singing. In the spring, for example, many daycare centers sing:
- “All the Birds Are Already Here” (Spring Awakening).
- “March is the farmer’s month” (Spring weather).
- “Buzz, buzz, buzz—the little bees are buzzing around.”
In the summer, songs about the sun, wind, or water are appropriate, such as “Schulboot flieg’, Schiffchen fahr’.” In the fall and winter, lantern songs and winter songs are common:
- “St. Martin, St. Martin, lantern, lantern” (lantern parade).
- “Lantern, lantern, sun, moon, and stars.”
- “Snowflake, Little White Skirt.”
- “O Tannenbaum” (Christmas).
Stay open to diversity. Not all families celebrate the same holidays. A neutral song about light, wind, or rain is almost always appropriate. Music also helps children who don’t speak much German yet: rhythm and melody provide guidance long before the lyrics are understood.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Songs for Daycare
Here’s how to choose songs: Short, catchy melodies are ideal. Check the following:
- “Does this song fit the occasion—morning circle, mealtime, cleanup, or saying goodbye?”
- “Does everyone understand the words? Is it clear?”
- “Can movements, images, or props help?”
- “Is the song repeated often enough?”
- “Is the group allowed to sing its own versions?”
Tip: Start by singing alone and slowly; then have the group join in as an echo, and finally sing while adding movements. That way, everyone picks it up quickly. Throw in familiar themes: Kids stay engaged if they already know the song from last year. Feel free to use classics from their own lives.
Legal Information: Singing as part of daily life at a daycare center is generally royalty-free. Since it is not a public performance, you do not need a GEMA license for morning circle or daily singing. Be careful when copying: Song lyrics and sheet music are often subject to copyright. Copying rights are administered by VG Musikedition. Some daycare centers enter into framework agreements with them or pay flat fees. However, almost all well-known children’s songs are “in the public domain” if the author died more than 70 years ago.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Songs in preschool enrich daily life by promoting language development, physical activity, and a sense of community. Choose three songs you like from the examples listed above. Sing them every day for a week during morning circle or transition time. Observe how the children join in and sing along. Then gradually add new songs. This way, you’ll naturally integrate songs into the daily routine at preschool, and the children will surely start singing them on their own before long!