Young children feel safe and secure when they have a consistent schedule and know what to expect. When they are not able to follow predictable routines, as was the case during the COVID pandemic, children can feel anxious and even act out.
Singing songs during these routines can make transitions fun, even for young children who are sometimes resistant to moving from one activity to another. You might want to incorporate these songs into your daily schedule, and share them with parents for days when children are at home. If you have other songs that you typically sing in your classroom, you might want to share those with parents too!
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 things better, 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 used. 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”
Music: Why and How to Incorporate it into Your Curriculum 
5 Ways to Better Use Music in Early Childhood Classrooms
