Circle time has always felt like a gentle pause in our day. It is that moment when little bodies slow down, everyone sits close, and for a few minutes, we are all doing the same thing together. As a mom, I have seen how songs can turn a noisy, distracted moment into something calm and connected.
When my son was in preschool, he did not always sing right away. Some days he just watched. Some days he whispered. And then one day, he sang the whole song out loud like he had known it forever. That is the quiet magic of circle time songs. They meet kids where they are.
These songs are simple, familiar, and perfect for preschool circle time at home or in the classroom.
Why Circle Time Songs Are So Helpful
From a mom’s point of view, circle time songs do more than just fill time.
They help children feel safe because routines matter to little ones.
They build listening and attention skills in a gentle way.
They support language development through repetition.
They encourage social skills like turn taking and being part of a group.
They make transitions easier at the start of the day.
Even if your child is not singing yet, listening and watching still counts.
10 Circle Time Songs for Preschool
1. Hello Song
This is a lovely way to start circle time and help every child feel noticed. You can replace hello with each child’s name as you sing.
Hello, hello, hello and how are you
Hello, hello, hello and how are you
I am fine, I am fine, I hope that you are too
La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la
La la la la la la la
I hope that you are too
2. If You’re Happy and You Know It
Always a favorite and easy to join in.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it then your face will surely show it
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
3. Open Shut Them
Perfect for busy little hands.
Open shut them, open shut them
Give a little clap clap clap
Open shut them, open shut them
Lay them in your lap lap lap
4. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
A calming song that helps everyone settle.
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle, twinkle little star
How I wonder what you are
5. The Wheels on the Bus
Great for group singing and simple actions.
The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town
6. ABC Song
A circle time classic that kids love repeating.
A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P
Q R S
T U V
W X
Y and Z
Now I know my ABCs
Next time won’t you sing with me
7. Days of the Week Song
Perfect for daily routines.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Thursday, Friday, Saturday
These are the days of the week
8. Five Little Ducks
A gentle counting song kids love.
Five little ducks went out one day
Over the hills and far away
Mother duck said quack quack quack quack
But only four little ducks came back
9. Baa Baa Black Sheep
Simple and familiar.
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool
Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full
One for the master, one for the dame
And one for the little boy who lives down the lane
10. Row Row Row Your Boat
A soft song that feels calm and cozy.
Row row row your boat
Gently down the stream
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is but a dream
A Little Mom Reminder
Do not stress about singing perfectly or remembering every word. Circle time songs are about connection, not performance. Sitting together, singing softly, or even just listening helps children feel safe and included.
Those few minutes of music can shape how the whole day feels, and as a mom, that is something I always hold onto.
