The school bell rings, and twenty little faces turn toward you, some bright-eyed and others still rubbing sleepy eyes. How do you bring them all together and set the perfect tone for learning?
The answer lies in choosing the right good morning song for kindergarten that changes your classroom into a welcoming, energetic space where every child feels ready to start their day.
Morning songs do more than fill time during circle activities. They create routine, build classroom community, and help young learners transition from home to school mode.
The right tune can turn even the grouchiest Monday morning into an opportunity for connection, movement, and joy.
From classics that teachers have used for decades to fresh, modern hits that get kids dancing, we’ll share the best morning songs that work magic in kindergarten classrooms.
What Makes a Good Morning Song Great for Kids?
The best kindergarten morning songs have key features that make them work well in the classroom. Looking for these elements helps you find songs your students will love.
Good morning songs use simple, repetitive lyrics that children remember easily. Even shy students can join in after hearing these basic phrases a few times.
Simple melodies matter, too. When the tune is predictable, children can focus on participating instead of trying to follow complicated music.
Songs that include actions turn listening into doing. When children clap their hands, wave to friends, or make simple movements, they stay engaged and focused.
The song’s mood is also important. Cheerful, upbeat songs create a positive atmosphere that can affect the whole school day. The right morning song helps children feel happy, included, and ready to learn.
Best Classic Good Morning Songs for Kindergarten
These cheerful tunes have been classroom favorites for years. They are simple, fun, and perfect for starting the day on the right note.
1. Good Morning to You (to the tune of Happy Birthday)
This simple adaptation uses the familiar Happy Birthday melody, making it instantly recognizable for young children. With just a few words to learn, even the shyest students can join in by their second day of school.
2. This is the Way We Start Our Day
Following the pattern of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush,” this versatile song allows you to create verses for each morning routine activity.
Children learn sequence and structure while singing about hanging up backpacks, sitting in the circle, or greeting friends.
3. Hello, Good Morning (The Kiboomu)
With its gentle melody and simple lyrics, this Kiboomu original helps create a calm morning atmosphere. The steady rhythm works well for children who need help transitioning from home to school energy levels.
4. Rise and Shine
This traditional morning song incorporates hand motions that mimic the rising sun. The repetitive chorus gives children plenty of practice with the core greeting while building classroom community through shared movements.
5. The Morning Song (Dr. Jean)
Dr. Jean Feldman’s classroom classic uses call-and-response patterns that engage children immediately. The predictable structure helps students know exactly when to respond, building confidence in group participation.
6. Hello Song (Songs for Teaching)
This welcoming tune includes spaces to insert students’ names, making each child feel specially recognized. The steady beat and repetitive phrases work well for multilingual classrooms where language learners benefit from consistent patterns.
7. Good Morning Song (Singing Walrus)
The Singing Walrus created this upbeat song with clear, simple lyrics perfect for young learners. The cheerful melody encourages children to greet their teachers and classmates with enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the day.
Modern & Trending Good Morning Songs Kids Love
These fresh and fun songs are popular in today’s classrooms; perfect for getting little ones moving, smiling, and ready to learn.
8. Good Morning Song – Jack Hartmann
Educational music expert Jack Hartmann combines clear instructions with an infectious beat in this modern classroom favorite. Children respond to the upbeat tempo while practicing following directions through movements.
9. Good Morning Dance and Freeze
This dynamic song alternates between active dance segments and sudden freeze moments, helping children practice self-regulation skills. The varied pace keeps students engaged while teaching them to listen carefully for cues.
10. Good Morning, Good Morning – Super Simple Songs
From the popular YouTube channel, this contemporary hit features professional production quality and clear vocals. The simple melody sticks in children’s minds, and many continue humming it throughout the day.
11. Boom Chicka Boom – The Learning Station
This call-and-response chant can be customized with “morning style” verses. The energetic rhythm helps wake up sleepy students, while the repetitive format makes participation accessible for all language levels.
12. Good Morning Song – Maple Leaf Learning
This bright, cheerful tune includes friendly greetings and simple movements. The clear pronunciation makes it especially helpful for language learners who are practicing basic English greeting phrases.
13. Hello, Hello! Can You Clap Your Hands? – Super Simple Songs
This interactive song prompts children to respond with different movements as they’re greeted. The direct questions engage students immediately, and the varied actions help address different learning styles.
14. Start This Day – Pancake Manor
With its contemporary pop sound, this song appeals to children familiar with current music styles. The positive lyrics focus on having a good attitude and helping others, reinforcing important social-emotional skills.
15. Have a Good Morning – ELF Learning
This gentle song combines morning greetings with weather awareness. Children enjoy the changing verses about sunshine, rain, or snow, which can connect to your daily calendar or weather-tracking activities.
Good Morning Songs with Movements
These action-packed songs get kids up and moving; perfect for helping them wake up their bodies and focus their minds.
16. Good Morning, Train is Coming
This movement-based song turns your classroom into a morning greeting train. Students form a line and move around the room, “picking up” classmates until everyone is part of the train; a wonderful community-building activity.
17. Wake Up Toes
This body-awareness song asks children to “wake up” different body parts, starting at the feet and working upward.
The progressive structure helps children become mindful of their whole bodies while providing gentle morning stretching.
18. Morning Stretch Song
Perfect for helping young bodies prepare for learning, this guided movement song leads children through basic stretches.
The slow pace allows for proper form, and the full-body approach helps activate children’s minds through physical movement.
19. If You’re Ready for the Day – Kiboomu Kids
This variation on “If You’re Happy and You Know It” focuses on morning readiness. Children demonstrate readiness by performing various actions in response to the lyrics, developing listening skills, and following multi-step directions.
20. Open Shut Them – Super Simple Songs
This traditional finger-play song helps develop fine motor skills while focusing children’s attention. The hand movements progress from small to large, effectively transitioning children from quiet to more active engagement.
21. Wake Up, Warm Up – Jack Hartmann
Jack Hartmann’s energetic warm-up routine combines morning greetings with age-appropriate exercises. The movements increase in intensity, helping to stimulate blood flow to the brain and prepare students for learning.
22. Stretch and Start – The Singing Walrus
This gentle movement song guides children through a series of morning stretches set to a calming melody. The slow pace allows teachers to demonstrate each movement properly while giving children time to follow along.
23. Hello Neighbors – Miss Patty
This community-building song encourages children to greet the friends sitting beside them. The simple choreography of waving, shaking hands, and high-fiving helps develop social skills while creating a welcoming classroom atmosphere.
24. Dance Like This – Jack Hartmann
This follow-along dance song provides clear movement instructions that children can easily copy. The steady beat and repeated patterns help even reluctant movers join in, building confidence through successful imitation.
25. Let’s Get Ready – Songs for Littles
This practical morning song walks children through each step of getting ready for the day. From sitting up straight to putting on listening ears, the song helps establish classroom expectations in a positive, musical format.
What If You Want to Create Your Good Morning Song?
Creating your good morning song is easier than you think, and it’s a fun way to make mornings feel personal, exciting, and connected to your classroom vibe.
| Tips for Creating Your Good Morning Song | Details |
|---|---|
| Start with familiar tunes | Use melodies kids already know, like “Twinkle Twinkle” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” These help children catch on quickly. |
| Keep lyrics simple and direct. |
Use short, clear phrases that match the morning routine. Repetitive, predictable lyrics work best. Example: “Good morning, friends, how are you?” |
| Include children’s names. | Personalize the song by adding students’ names. This builds a sense of community and supports name recognition. |
| Add your classroom theme. | To make the song more fun and engaging, tie in your classroom theme (e.g., ocean, space, jungle). |
| Keep it brief | Limit to under two minutes. Short songs keep kids focused and fit easily into the morning routine. |
With just a little creativity, you can craft a morning song that your students look forward to every day. Nothing beats starting the day with smiles and a song made just for them.
Conclusion: Start the Day with a Smile and a Song
A simple, good morning song can do wonders in a kindergarten classroom. It builds routine, sparks joy, and helps kids feel seen from the moment they walk in.
No matter if you go with a beloved classroom favorite, a fresh YouTube hit, or create your own, your song sets the mood for a successful day.
With visuals, movement, and personalization, your students can engage in ways that cater to their individual needs. Plus, those smiling faces and happy voices are totally worth it.
Have you tried a song your kids adore? Please comment or share this post with a fellow teacher; let’s keep the morning magic going!
Brian Young is a seasoned singer and artist with over 15 years of performance experience. Known for his versatility across genres, Brian has performed on various stages, from local venues to international tours. He offers expert advice to aspiring singers, sharing practical tips on vocal techniques, stage presence, and building a career in music. His passion is to inspire others to find their unique voice and thrive in the competitive world of music.
