Top 5 Action Songs for Kids

Many educators will tell you that active participation is key to learning, and that’s especially true when it comes to children. Engaging kids through music and movement is a highly effective way to capture their attention and make learning fun. This collection of the best action songs contains big “hits” for kids, which are perfect for exciting and entertaining them.

In this post, we’ll not only share our top five action songs but also delve into what makes these songs so special. We’ll explain what “action songs” are, highlighting how they involve physical movements and gestures that align with the lyrics, turning singing into an interactive experience.

Additionally, we’ll explore “movement rhymes,” which are similar in that they combine simple actions with catchy verses to help children develop motor skills and coordination. By the end of this post, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how these engaging tools can enhance children’s learning and play.

What are “Action Songs”?
Movement Rhymes
5 Action Songs to make them move
Action Songs for Kids – Video

What are “Action Songs”?

Action songs for kids are lively and engaging tunes that involve physical movements and gestures to accompany the lyrics. These songs can be sung while making funny motions with your hands and the entire body, clapping, jumping up and down, or moving around the space you are in.

The best thing to do while singing action songs is to follow the song lyrics by miming the ‘plot’ and moving your body parts accordingly. This approach not only makes the songs more fun but also helps children develop coordination, motor skills, and the ability to follow directions.

Whether it’s pretending to be animals, acting out a story, or simply moving to the rhythm, action songs turn singing into an interactive and educational experience.

Movement Rhymes

A “movement rhyme” is similar to an “action song.” Both terms describe songs or rhymes that incorporate physical movements or actions to go along with the lyrics.

These activities are designed to engage children in a fun and interactive way, helping them develop motor skills, coordination, and the ability to follow directions. T

he main difference is that “movement rhymes” are typically shorter and focus on simple actions, while “action songs” might be longer and involve a broader range of activities and musical elements.

5 Action Songs to make them move

Here We Go Looby Loo | Action Song for Kids

“Here We Go Looby Loo” is an action song with lyrics to follow word-by-word: “You put your right hand in, you take your right hand out, you give your right hand a shake, shake, shake, and turn yourself about!”.

Click here or on the following button for printable lyrics and free instrumental download

Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow | Action Song for Kids

On “Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley Grow” we follow the moves of a farmer sowing seeds: “He stamps his foot and claps his hands, And turns around to view his lands”.

Click here or on the following button for printable lyrics and free instrumental download

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes | Action Song for Kids

On “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” we follow the repetitive lyrics where the parts of the body slowly disappear from the verses and substituted by sounds, calling us to remember them.

Click here or on the following button for printable lyrics and free instrumental download

If You’re Happy and You Know it | Action Songs for Kids

“If You’re Happy and You Know It” asks for a number of body moves while the song goes on. You can find great teaching ideas at the end of this article.

Click here or on the following button for printable lyrics and free instrumental download

I’m a Little Teapot | Action Songs for Kids

On “I’m a Little Teapot”, you have to imitate a teapot with your body: an arm for the handle, the other arm for the spout. Now tilt to pour out the tea, and go back to the initial position.