15 Preschool Movement Songs That Make Learning Fun and Active

If you’re searching for a playful and engaging way to keep young kids active, focused, and full of joy, preschool movement songs are your secret weapon. These songs are more than just catchy tunes—they’re tools for early learning, energy release, and emotional expression. Whether you’re a teacher looking to break up circle time or a parent trying to shake off a case of the wiggles, having the right movement songs in your toolkit can turn any moment into a fun learning opportunity. The best part? You don’t need to be musical yourself—just press play and join in the fun.

Here are 15 of the best preschool movement songs to get your little ones singing, stretching, jumping, and learning—without even realizing it.

High-Energy Songs for Big Movements and Smiles

Sometimes, young children just need to move. Whether it’s the beginning of the day or they’ve been sitting for too long, high-energy songs help get the jitters out and turn chaotic wiggles into joyful motion. These songs are perfect for morning welcome times, dance parties, or anytime you need to hit the refresh button.

1. “Shake Your Sillies Out” – The Wiggles

This classic from The Wiggles is a favorite for a reason. It’s simple, energetic, and invites children to “shake,” “jump,” and “clap” their sillies out. The repetitive structure is easy to follow, even for toddlers, and the song transitions naturally between different actions. It’s perfect for kicking off the day or getting a restless group moving in sync.

2. “Jump Up, Turn Around” – Jim Gill

This song by Jim Gill is a gem. It’s packed with fun commands like jumping, turning, and sitting down, which keeps kids engaged while helping develop listening and motor coordination. The rhythm is quick but not overwhelming, and the lyrics are clear and simple enough for preschoolers to follow without frustration.

3. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” (Clean Version) – Justin Timberlake

While not originally made for kids, the beat and feel-good vibe of this song make it an excellent addition to any movement playlist. Just make sure to use a clean, kid-friendly version. You can add your own dance moves or let the kids freestyle—it’s all about joy and expression. This song is especially great for rainy-day dance parties or mid-afternoon energy resets.

4. “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” – Traditional

It’s a timeless movement song that helps kids learn their body parts while also getting their heart rates up. It’s incredibly adaptable—you can speed it up for a giggly challenge or slow it down to calm things down. Even shy kids tend to join in when this one comes on, making it a great inclusion activity.

5. “Animal Action” – Greg & Steve

“Animal Action” turns movement into imaginative play. Kids are encouraged to move like different animals—hop like a frog, slither like a snake, gallop like a horse. It’s both silly and skill-building, helping with gross motor coordination and creativity. Bonus points if you pair it with animal costumes or puppets for extra engagement.

Calming Movement Songs for Transitions and Wind-Downs

Not every movement song needs to be loud and fast. In fact, some of the most helpful songs are the ones that slow things down—especially when transitioning from play to quiet time, getting ready for naps, or ending the day on a gentle note. These songs offer simple movements paired with slower melodies and calming lyrics.

6. “Slow and Fast” – Laurie Berkner

This track is all about understanding tempo. Kids move slowly, then quickly, learning to control their movements and react to musical changes. It’s not only fun—it subtly teaches self-regulation and listening. You can add scarves, bean bags, or hand motions to make the contrast even more engaging.

7. “Going on a Bear Hunt” – Greg & Steve

This storytelling movement song walks kids through an imaginative journey—splashing through rivers, climbing trees, and tiptoeing through caves. The repetitive, call-and-response format keeps everyone engaged, while the pacing allows for expressive movement that isn’t too chaotic. It’s a great way to transition out of high-energy play and into focused, imaginative listening.

8. “The Goodbye Song” – Cocomelon

Cocomelon’s version of “The Goodbye Song” is ideal for ending class, group time, or a playdate. It’s gentle, familiar, and easy to follow. Children can wave, hug, or give high-fives as part of their goodbye routine, turning farewells into something sweet and structured. Pairing movement with goodbye rituals helps young kids feel safe and supported.

9. “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around” – Traditional

This nursery rhyme-inspired movement song is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers alike. Each line describes a simple action—turning, touching the ground, jumping—so kids are always moving in a predictable and safe way. The sing-song rhythm has a naturally calming effect, especially when sung slowly and gently.

Songs That Teach While They Move

Preschoolers are always learning—and movement is one of the best ways to help new information stick. The following songs combine action with basic academic and developmental concepts like counting, the alphabet, following directions, and building vocabulary. These are great choices for classrooms or structured learning time at home.

10. “Move and Freeze” – The Learning Station

A fan favorite that gets kids moving—and thinking. The premise is simple: dance and move while the music plays, then freeze when it stops. It’s fun and silly, but also teaches impulse control, listening, and body awareness. You can even add variations by changing the movement types (e.g., hop and freeze, spin and freeze).

11. “The Hokey Pokey” – Traditional

It’s a tried-and-true classic for a reason. “The Hokey Pokey” teaches left and right, body part awareness, and group cooperation, all while being lighthearted and easy to learn. You can keep it simple or add fun props like colored gloves or scarves to emphasize each movement.

12. “If You’re Happy and You Know It” – Traditional

This is another staple that teaches both emotion identification and physical expression. It’s easily adaptable—clap your hands, stomp your feet, shout hooray. You can even make up your own verses to match classroom themes or student interests. It’s perfect for group bonding, transitions, or as a feel-good starter song.

13. “Counting to 100” – Jack Hartmann

Jack Hartmann’s upbeat tunes are gold for combining learning with movement. “Counting to 100” uses active movements like marching, hopping, or swinging arms to get kids moving while reinforcing number sequencing. It’s great for energizing math time or just working on counting fluency in a fresh, memorable way.

14. “Simon Says” – Kiboomu Kids

This song version of the classic game builds listening skills and comprehension in a fun and interactive format. The commands are clear and come with music cues, making it easy for preschoolers to follow. It’s also a helpful way to reinforce direction-following, patience, and group behavior.

15. “The Wheels on the Bus” – Traditional

This may seem like just a fun circle time favorite, but it’s packed with opportunities for movement and learning. Each verse invites a different action—rolling hands for the wheels, bouncing up and down for the people, and so on. It helps build coordination, memory, and group participation. You can even extend the song by inviting children to create their own verses and motions.

Moving, Laughing, Learning—It All Goes Together

The beauty of preschool movement songs lies in their simplicity. They don’t require elaborate setup, fancy instruments, or high-level planning. All you need is a willingness to move, sing, and be present with your little learners. These songs help children grow in confidence, coordination, and connection—while having a ton of fun in the process.

Whether you’re managing a full classroom or dancing in the living room with your child, these songs can transform any moment into an opportunity for joy and learning. They turn fidgety mornings into moments of focus, ease transitions with grace, and build meaningful routines that children will look forward to.

So press play. Clap your hands. Jump up and down. And remember: when little feet are moving, little minds are growing.