Toddler storytime is a fantastic opportunity to foster early literacy skills, but let’s face it, toddlers are naturally wiggly! Understanding the close connection between physical and literacy development is key to creating successful and enjoyable sessions. Expecting toddlers to remain still for an extended period is unrealistic. Embracing movement and incorporating songs that encourage physical activity is a wonderful way to manage their energy and enhance their learning experience. It’s perfectly okay for toddlers to move around during storytime, as long as caregivers ensure they stay safe and away from storytime materials. Here are some favorite songs that make movement fun and productive during toddler storytime, perfect for getting those wiggles out!
Fun Movement Songs for Toddler Storytime
Here’s a collection of engaging songs that incorporate movement, perfect for keeping toddlers entertained and learning during storytime. These “Wiggles Songs” are designed to be both fun and developmentally beneficial.
1. Marching Fun
This classic movement activity is always a hit! It’s simple, requires no props, and gets toddlers moving their whole bodies. Encourage big stretches and high knees to maximize the physical activity. This song is excellent for developing gross motor skills and spatial awareness. Plus, the repetitive nature of marching helps toddlers learn to follow instructions and participate in a group activity.
2. Action Verses Song (Walking, Tip Toe, Marching & More!)
This adaptable song is fantastic for teaching toddlers about stopping and starting, crucial for self-regulation. Start with simple actions like walking, then introduce variations like tip-toeing and marching. The real fun begins when you ask the children for their action suggestions! This interactive approach keeps them engaged and makes the song unique each time. It’s a playful way to practice following directions and build listening skills while burning energy.
3. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (with a Twist!)
This familiar song is a staple for a reason! It’s excellent for body part recognition and following multi-step directions, a skill that supports kindergarten readiness. Sing it slowly at first to ensure everyone can keep up, then gradually increase the speed for an extra challenge and giggles. The silliness of trying to keep up as it gets faster adds to the fun and helps toddlers learn through play.
4. Pirate “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom” (and Ocean “Elevator Song”)
If the regular “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom” is a storytime staple for managing toddler energy, try this pirate-themed version to spice things up! Pairing it with an ocean-themed version of “The Elevator Song” creates a mini-pirate adventure within your storytime. These themed variations keep familiar songs fresh and exciting. Even if toddlers can’t fully jump at the end of “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,” the attempt is valuable for practicing gross motor skills and coordination.
5. “Shake Your Sillies Out” (Squirrel Version for Colors)
Get ready for some serious booty shaking! While perfect for autumn with squirrels gathering nuts, this song is versatile year-round. Use it to practice color recognition by incorporating colors into the lyrics. It also transforms wonderfully into a scarf song! Use different colored scarves to match the lyrics, adding a visual and tactile element to the movement. This song encourages rhythm, coordination, and color identification in a joyful way.
6. “Bananas Unite” (with Action Verbs)
Toddlers love “Bananas Unite,” and these new verses with action verbs like shuck, slice, peel, pop, and squeeze add a new layer of fun and learning. This version is especially great before snack time or lunchtime at preschools, connecting the song to a real-life activity they are about to experience – eating! This association helps them understand routines and transitions while enjoying a catchy tune.
7. “Wiggle Your Fingers” (Progressive Wiggles!)
Start small with just thumbs, then gradually add hands, arms, legs, hips, and finally the whole body! This song is literally designed to get the wiggles out! Its beauty lies in its flexibility. Extend it for maximum wiggle release or shorten it if time is limited. It’s a fantastic way to release pent-up energy in a controlled and fun manner, perfect for transitioning between activities.
8. “Stop and Go” Actions (with Props!)
Another excellent song for teaching self-control and the concept of stopping. Mix up the actions – wiggling, bouncing, jumping, tapping, waving, spinning, clapping, and stomping – to keep it engaging. Enhance this song with props like shakers, scarves, or rhythm sticks for added sensory input and fun. Props can help focus attention and make the movements more dynamic.
9. “Clap Your Hands and Stomp Your Feet” (Sit Down Song!)
This is a go-to song for transitioning toddlers from high energy movement to quiet story time. It starts with energetic actions like clapping and jumping but gently guides them to sit down by the end. It works like magic! This song provides one last burst of movement before settling down, making the transition smoother and more effective.
Your Favorite Wiggle Songs?
These songs are just a starting point! What are your favorite songs for getting the wiggles out during toddler storytime? Share your go-to tunes and movement activities in the comments below! Let’s build a bigger collection of “wiggles songs” together!
