Great Dance Songs for Small Children

Most children display a desire to dance when they hear a song that's pleasing to their ears. According to the National Dance Education Organization, when small children dance, they are laying the foundation for academic success, positive social interactions and cultural awareness. Dancing is also just plain entertaining for children, and playing a wide variety of dance songs will encourage them to keep moving to the music.

  1. Songs With Choreographed Movements

    • Using songs with existing choreographed movements is a simple way to introduce small children to a variety of movements and dance steps. This can also help teach coordination and rhythm, according to the National Dance Education Organization. Play the "YMCA" by the Village People, "The Macarena" by Los del Rio, "Electric Slide" by Neville Livingston and "Conga" by the Miami Sound Machine. "The Hokey Pokey," which is performed by various artists, is another song sure to be a hit with small children.

    Popular Children's Songs

    • Play songs that small children already recognize and enjoy, such as "The Wheels on the Bus" or "I'm a Little Teapot," which encourage the kids to get up and move. Teach the actions that go with the songs as a way to build listening, memory and verbal skills. Choose songs with simple actions, however, because toddlers and preschoolers can get frustrated with complicated movements. "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush," "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" are additional options that most children will recognize.

    Classic Dance Songs

    • Many children enjoy hearing songs that are typically reserved for adults. As long as the lyrics are appropriate, these songs provide another way for children to show off their dance moves. You might even give them toy instruments to play while they dance, suggests the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Play classics such as "Old Time Rock and Roll" by Bob Seger, "Good Ship Lollipop" by Shirley Temple," "Twist and Shout" by the Beatles, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndy Lauper and "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves.

    Movie and Character Soundtracks

    • Most young children recognize songs from favorite movies, and these can inspire them to get up and dance. Children also love repetition, so they're often willing to listen to these much-loved songs over and over again. Turn on "Spoonful of Sugar" from "Mary Poppins," "Be Our Guest" from "Beauty and the Beast," "Under the Sea" from the "Little Mermaid" or any other song from favorite movies. You might also play movie soundtracks from your childhood to expose children to a variety of musical styles and sounds.

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