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Action Songs. Action songs pair words with movements, so children learn body parts, directions, and listening skills while they burn off energy. These 10 favorites work at circle time, on rainy days, and in the car.
- 10 songs
- Ages 3–5
- 5–15 minutes
- Actions and ideas for every song
About the lyrics: this page lists song titles, what each song teaches, and ways to use it. It does not reprint lyrics. You can find the words and recordings in children’s songbooks, at your local library, or on official channels from the artists and publishers. Many of these songs are traditional, and versions can differ from place to place.
Quick Picks
Use this table to find a song by type and main skill. Tap a song name to jump to ideas for using it.
| # | Song | Type | Main skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes | Action song | Body parts |
| 2 | If You’re Happy and You Know It | Action song | Feelings |
| 3 | The Hokey Pokey | Action song | Left and right |
| 4 | I’m a Little Teapot | Action song | Body control |
| 5 | Shake Your Sillies Out | Action song | Self-control |
| 6 | Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear (Turn Around) | Action chant | Following directions |
| 7 | We’re Going on a Bear Hunt | Chant and story | Sequencing |
| 8 | I’m Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee | Action song | Silly language |
| 9 | The Ants Go Marching | Action song | Counting |
| 10 | Miss Mary Mack | Clapping game | Rhythm |
Why Action Songs Help Preschoolers
Action songs get children moving while they learn body parts, directions, and listening skills. They are great for burning off energy and for transitions.
Body awareness
Touching and naming body parts helps children learn where their bodies are in space.
Listening and directions
Children practice listening for a cue and following it, a key school skill.
Energy release
Big movements help children burn off energy before quiet activities.
Action words
Words like clap, stomp, and turn become easier to understand when children do them.
10 Action Songs for Preschoolers
1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Action song- Body parts
- Listening
What it teaches: Children touch each body part as it’s named. The song speeds up each time, which makes it a favorite.
How to use it: Sing it slowly first, then faster. For an extra challenge, leave out one body part at a time and just do the motion.
2. If You’re Happy and You Know It
Action song- Feelings
- Actions
What it teaches: A call-and-action song where children clap, stomp, and shout. It’s easy to add new verses.
How to use it: Make up new verses for other feelings and actions, like a yawn for sleepy or a jump for excited.
3. The Hokey Pokey
Action song- Left and right
- Body parts
What it teaches: Children put body parts in and out of a circle and turn around. It’s a fun way to practice left and right.
How to use it: Put a sticker on your child’s right hand to help with left and right. Try it with elbows, noses, and ears for silly twists.
4. I’m a Little Teapot
Action song- Body control
- Sequencing
What it teaches: A song with a built-in dance: children make a handle and a spout and then tip over to pour.
How to use it: Use a real toy teapot or a paper cup for tea. Sing it slowly so your child can match each motion.
5. Shake Your Sillies Out
Action song- Self-control
- Movement
What it teaches: Children shake, clap, and stretch, then slow down. It’s great for burning energy and then settling.
How to use it: Use it before quiet time. End with a slow stretch and three belly breaths.
6. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear (Turn Around)
Action chant- Following directions
- Action words
What it teaches: A chant where a teddy bear turns around, touches the ground, and more. Perfect for learning action verbs.
How to use it: Use a real teddy bear and let your child give the commands. Add new actions like ‘hop on one foot.’
7. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Chant and story- Sequencing
- Sound words
What it teaches: A chant story where a family goes through grass, a river, mud, a forest, and a snowstorm. It’s loved for its sound effects.
How to use it: Act out each place with your hands and voice. Build a floor ‘obstacle course’ with pillows, a blanket tunnel, and a taped river.
8. I’m Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee
Action song- Silly language
- Actions
What it teaches: A silly song about a bee in your hands. It’s loved for its funny actions and sounds.
How to use it: Cup your hands like you’re holding a bee. Use it to talk about leaving real bees alone.
Safety and tip: Teach children not to catch or touch real bees.
9. The Ants Go Marching
Action song- Counting
- Rhyme
What it teaches: The ants march in groups that grow each verse, with a rhyme for every number. It’s a great counting song.
How to use it: March around the room and make a rhyme or motion for each number. Use small paper ants to count.
10. Miss Mary Mack
Clapping game- Rhythm
- Coordination
What it teaches: A clapping rhyme played with a partner. The patterns help children build timing and coordination.
How to use it: Start with slow, simple claps, like clapping your hands together and then your partner’s. Add more claps as your child gets better.
Tips for Singing Action Songs
- Do the action slowly first, then speed up.
- Leave plenty of space and keep the floor clear.
- Add your own verses with new actions or feelings.
- End with a slow, calm action song to help children settle.
Pair These Songs with Activities
Action Songs FAQs
Are action songs good for children who can’t sit still?
Yes. Action songs give active children a way to move while they learn. Use them before activities that need sitting, like story time.
How can I adapt action songs for a child with limited mobility?
Use whatever movements work for your child, such as arms only, a seated version, or eye and head movements. The goal is to take part and have fun.
How do I keep action songs safe?
Clear the floor, keep children a safe distance apart, and wear shoes or non-slip socks for jumping and turning. Choose gentle movements for small spaces.
Can I use action songs as transitions?
Yes. A short action song like a shake-and-stretch song helps children move from one activity to the next and then settle.
More Song Types
- Nursery Rhymes (12)
- Action Songs (10)
- Finger Plays (7)
- Counting Songs (9)
- Alphabet and Language Songs (7)
- Animal and Nature Songs (7)
- Transportation Songs (7)
- Routine, Transition, and Friendship Songs (7)
- Lullabies and Calm-Down Songs (6)
- Circle and Singing Games (6)
- Songs for Colors, Shapes, Days, and More (7)
- All Preschool Songs
Keep the Music Going
Pair these songs with free printables, learning games, and our 12-month preschool curriculum.
Sources
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical or legal advice. Always supervise young children during movement activities. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.