I recently saw a CD titled, “15 Songs Every Kid Should Know.” And to be honest – I agreed with a lot of them. They are classics that I feel every child should be required to learn and will no doubt enjoy. I think that youngsters with a lack of classic song knowledge are growing up at a disadvantage. (I’ve referenced a classic song before–say, “Clementine”–and have had an adult look blankly at me like I was speaking a foreign language.) In addition, singing may help students develop language skills. And who isn’t a proponent of better language skills?
So here is my personal list of 15 songs every child should know. What do you think? Would you take away any? Add some? Share your thoughts.
- Clementine
- The Wheels on the Bus
- Shoo, Fly
- London Bridge
- If You’re Happy and You Know It
- She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain
- The Muffin Man
- The Farmer in the Dell
- Have You Ever Seen a Lassie?
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat
- This Old Man
- Are You Sleeping?
- Here We Go Looby Loo
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
- Head and Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
I would add “I’m A Little Teapot” and “The Ants Go Marching.”