Do your kids ever get the wiggles in the classroom? When you notice your kids beginning to get wiggly, try using brain break songs to get kids up and moving during the school day.
Here are 14 fun movement songs you can use in your classroom right away. You can use these fun action songs during physical education (PE) classes, indoor recess, or anytime your kids need a break.
Brain Breaks for Kids
There’s nothing like a little music and movement to help your kids refocus and burn off extra energy!
Just in case you’re new to the world of brain breaks, they’re short bursts of movement to break up periods of instruction in the classroom. These brief periods of physical activity can help your students burn off excess energy and refocus their attention.
Brain Breaks: Music and Movement Songs for Kids
Research shows that movement increases blood flow to the brain, which means the more kids move, the more they learn! Moving frequently throughout the school day can increase student engagement and attention spans.
Use these songs with your kids during circle time, or to signal transitions.
And nothing can turn around those dreaded indoor recess days faster than some good brain breaks!
Dance Songs for Kids
If you don’t have oodles of spare time to search for and preview all the brain break songs on YouTube, then you’re in luck because I’ve already done all the hard work for you!
These free, preschool teacher-approved YouTube videos will help you add more music and movement into your daily routine.
Show these age-appropriate videos to your class on the big screen, or just play the audio if you prefer. Your kids will love moving and grooving to these fun songs with or without a screen!
You can find plenty of brain break videos and songs on YouTube that your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten kids will love, here’s a list of some of my favorites below.
Action Songs for Kids
Tooty-Ta, by Jack Hartmann
This classic body movement song is a super silly one that all kids love!
Get Yo Body Movin’, by Koo Koo Kanga Roo
The title says it all, and the catchy music will have your kids begging for more!
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by The Wiggles
What do you get when you combine a classic story with body movements? A winner!
Boom Chicka Boom, by The Learning Station
Another perfect combo of classic children’s book and action song!
Jumping Jack, by The Laurie Berkner Band
Everybody Clap, by Music with Nancy
Pop See Ko, by Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Bouncing Up and Down, by Patty Shukla
I Can Move My Body Like Anything, by Jack Hartmann
The Goldfish (Let’s Go Swimming), by The Laurie Berkner Band
Dino Stomp, by Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Who doesn’t love stomping like a dinosaur?
Hokey Pokey, by The Learning Station
This classic song makes the perfect brain break!
Milkshake, by Koo Koo Kanga Roo
Chu Chu Wa, by Jack Hartmann
Follow my brain breaks playlist on YouTube if you prefer to watch the videos there!
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