Well hello there! It’s been a busy fall, and if you’re anything like us at payoffsong.com, you’re probably deep in the midst of Halloween preparations. One of the most delightful aspects of this season is sharing the spooky spirit with little ones. And what better way to do that than through music? We’ve been busy doing outreach with local daycares and preschools, and “Halloween Songs” are always a top request. So, inspired by a fun new Halloween tune we learned, we’re thrilled to share our absolute favorite Halloween songs and rhymes – perfect for your storytime, classroom, or family fun this October. Get ready to get spooky and sing along!
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom Witch Style
Get ready to blast off on a broomstick adventure! “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom Witch Style” is a fantastically fun twist on the classic countdown song.
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
If you want to go at night
to spread around Halloween fright
Zoom, zoom, zoom
Climb onto my broom
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 BOO!
We have to give a shout out to Melissa McVay from Discovery Clubhouse in Cedar City, Utah, for sharing this gem with us! This version is incredibly engaging for kids, and the “BOO!” at the end is always a guaranteed giggle-inducer. You can never have too many versions of “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom” in your repertoire, especially when they’re this spooktacular!
Pumpkin, Pumpkin On the Ground
Looking for a gentler tune to wind down your Halloween festivities? “Pumpkin, Pumpkin On the Ground” is perfect. This calming song works wonderfully for an autumn theme in general, making it versatile for the entire season. We love using it at the end of storytime as a settling activity. Its soothing rhythm and simple lyrics are easy for children to pick up, and it’s a lovely way to transition to a quieter moment.
5 Little Pumpkins
A Halloween classic that’s always a hit! “5 Little Pumpkins” is more than just a song; it’s a counting rhyme, a fingerplay, and a mini-drama all rolled into one. You’ll find numerous book versions of this rhyme, which can further enhance engagement. In our storytimes, we like to perform “5 Little Pumpkins” three times – at the beginning to grab attention, in the middle for reinforcement, and again at the end for a satisfying conclusion. Repetition is key for little learners, helping them memorize and anticipate the fun pumpkin rhyme.
Pumpkin Chant
Clearly, we’re big fans of pumpkin songs! This “Pumpkin Chant” is another fun and energetic option to add to your Halloween playlist. We learned this catchy chant from the wonderful Rebecca at sturdyforcommonthings.com. It’s perfect for getting kids moving and chanting along. Its rhythmic nature makes it easy to learn and remember, and it’s great for building enthusiasm in a group setting.
Horns and Fangs
Transform your storytime into a monster mash with “Horns and Fangs”! This is a Halloween-themed take on the familiar “Head and Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” This action song is not only super fun but also gets kids moving and pretending to be friendly monsters. Get ready for some silly monster faces and stomping feet as you sing about horns, fangs, claws, and tails! It’s a fantastic way to burn off some energy while embracing the Halloween spirit.
Witch’s Pot
Prepare for some bubbling, magical fun with “Witch’s Pot”! This is an interactive prop song that’s sure to spark creativity. If you’re working with a smaller group, gather some random felt pieces or small objects. As you sing the song, children can take turns adding items to the “witch’s pot” and describing what spooky concoction they are brewing. This song can quickly become wonderfully silly and imaginative, encouraging language development and social interaction.
The Monsters Stomp Around the House
Get ready to stomp and roar with “The Monsters Stomp Around the House”! This energetic song is perfect for letting kids release their inner monsters. And for even more Halloween fun, check out these extended verses contributed by a viewer:
The witch & her cat ride on her broom,
And they all say trick or treat, to you, and you and you, BOOM BOOM BOOM
The werewolf howls at the moon,
And they all say trick or treat, to you, and you and you, BOOM BOOM BOOM
The goblins hop around it too,
And they all say trick or treat, to you, and you and you, BOOM BOOM BOOM
These additional verses add even more Halloween characters into the mix, expanding the song’s spooky scope and keeping the fun going.
For those who play the ukulele, be sure to visit my friend April’s blog (storytimeukulele.wordpress.com). She has a fantastic Halloween round-up with chords to tons of storytime songs, making it easy to bring these tunes to life with your ukulele.
So, what Halloween songs and rhymes are you singing this year? We’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below! Let’s keep the spooky song inspiration flowing and make this Halloween the most musical one yet!
