Songs through the day – Playgroup

Having set songs at certain times at playgroup helps children anticipate routines and transition more easily.

Did you know?

Having specific songs the playgroup uses for different activity times can help get the children’s attention and signal transitions e.g. “tick tock tick tock, listen to my little clock, tick tock tick tock, now it’s time to Stop!” or “Wash our Dirty Hands” at the end of outdoor play and a regular goodbye song to signal the end of playgroup and time to go.

Add language

Singing simple instructions and repeating can be helpful to get children’s attention and help them follow the instruction – we tend to sing slower and at a higher pitch and the repetition makes it easier for young children to follow.

Other development

Greeting songs which include the child’s name and basic social questions build the children’s sense of identity, belonging and positive social skills e.g. “Where is Amelia? Where is Amelia? There she is. There she is. How are you today friend? (pause and wait for any response verbal or non verbal) Happy day. Happy day.”

Variations

Children may enjoy a game of singing through parts of playgroup e.g. singing about what we are doing, asking questions and answering with a song during a craft activity or snack time.

Songs using a parachute can be a fun way to draw children together at the end of playgroup.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how songs can be fun for babies, toddlers and children.

Activities listed under “playgroup” are suitable for groups of children of various ages. They provide opportunities for early learning and social play.