Songs for Kids With Props

Music is something that all generations can relate to. It communicates feelings and emotions, captures imaginations, introduces new concepts and ideas, promotes language development and just makes you feel good. Because of these benefits, music is a powerful teaching tool for children. Music has a powerful impact on its own; add props and it becomes even more meaningful. Props make singing more fun, make songs easier to relate to and express a clearer message.

  1. Old MacDonald Had a Farm

    • The song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" is an old children's favorite. It has a catchy tune, silly sounds and teaches children what animals live on a farm and what sounds certain animals make. Use some props while singing this song and kids will find it even more fun to sing, and gain more value from it. As you sing about the different animals, hold up a stuffed or plastic representation of the particular animal. For instance, when you say cow, hold up a stuffed cow. This will provide kids with a visual representation of each animal as they sing the song.

    No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

    • The children's song "No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" teaches two different lessons. The first lesson is related to subtraction, in that the number of monkeys is depleted by one with each verse of the song. The second lesson is that jumping on the bed can be dangerous. Make the song come to life and foster a greater understanding of the math lesson with monkey props. Display five flannel monkeys on a flannel board, or set out five stuffed monkeys on a table and remove one with each verse. Count the number of monkeys that remain and kids will be able to gain a better understanding of the concept of subtraction.

    Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

    • Your body can serve as a prop when singing children's songs, as well. The song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" is an example of a song that uses the body as a prop. As you sing the song, point to the different parts of the body as they are mentioned. Doing so will allow children to become familiar with the names of the different parts of their bodies, plus it just makes the song more fun.

    There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

    • Kids usually squeal with delight when they sing along to the song where an old lady swallows a fly, a spider (that tickles her) a cow, a horse and much more. This song is fun on its own, but with props, it's even more fun. Print out images of the different animals mentioned in the song and as you sing, hold up each of the animals. To further promote language development, instead of saying the name of the animal, simply hold up the picture and invite children to state the name of the animal.

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