motorboat song for toddlers

English for Kids. FREE playlearning™ content curated by the Lingokids educators team.

English for kids

Free Playlearning™ content curated by the Lingokids educators team.

Sailing My Boat Song ⛵ Music for Kids

Enjoy warm island vibes with this song that teaches kids about maps, continents, and vehicles., “sailing my boat” lyrics.

Sailing my boat,

Over the big, blue sea

Sailing my boat

All the islands we’ll see

Look at the big palm tree!

Oh yeah, sailing my boat!

Yeah yeah yeah

I wanna sail away

On the island

We go swimming a lot

The gold sand is so hot

Treasure is what we got

On the island,

About the Song

Set sail with Lingokids! This calming and rhythmic song introduces young explorers to maps, continents, and vehicles like boats. It’s important for children to have a global awareness, and what better way to learn than through music.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the song and let us know how much your little one enjoys it by tagging us on social media!

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30+ Favorite Toddler Songs

July 10, 2019 by Sheryl Cooper

Last Updated on July 22, 2023 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: This collection of toddler songs are favorites with teachers, parents, and anyone with young children. Not only are they fun, but they also teach a variety of concepts!

Recently someone sent me a message asking what are my favorite toddler songs. Rather than just replying with my favorites, I decided to post the question on my  Facebook wall so that my readers could respond. I was truly curious what my thousands of Facebook readers would say were their favorites. I wrote down their answers and created this collection of 30 favorite toddler songs .

I’m a firm believer that music can either calm or distract a busy classroom. When our 2 year olds need to be redirected, music is the answer! Whether you play an instrument or have a beautiful singing voice, or rely on others’ music, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure to have your materials on hand for those moments when nothing else seems to be working, or when you want some fun during your circle time .

👉 Scroll down towards bottom of post for a free printable list you can save and use as a reference!

Make sure to check out these other collections, too!

25+ Music & Movement Activities

Fun Music for Energetic Kids

Easy Rhythm Sticks Activities

30 Favorite Toddler Songs

• Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed ( Amazon )
• Way Up High in the Apple Tree ( Amazon )
• Little Bunny Foo Foo ( Amazon )
• I’m a Little Tea Pot ( Amazon )
• If You’re Happy and You Know It ( Amazon )
• Icky, Sticky Bubblegum ( Amazon )
• Peas Porridge Hot ( Amazon )
• Old Mac Donald Had a Farm ( Amazon )
• The Wheels on the Bus ( Amazon )
• There Were Ten in the Bed ( Amazon )
• Five Little Monkeys Swinging from a Tree ( Amazon )
• Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star ( Amazon )
• The ABC Song ( Amazon )
• Row, Row, Row Your Boat ( Amazon )
• Five Little Ducks ( Amazon )
• Two Little Blackbirds ( Amazon )
• Five Speckled Frogs ( Amazon )
• Tiny Turtle ( Amazon )
• Wind the Bobbin Up ( Amazon )
• This Old Man ( Amazon )
• Jack and Jill ( Amazon )
• Hickory Dickory Dock ( Amazon )
• Driving in My Car ( Amazon )
• Polly Put the Kettle On ( Amazon )
• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes ( Amazon )
• Incy Wincy Spider ( Amazon )
• London Bridge ( Amazon )
• The Ants Go Marching ( Amazon )
• Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear ( Amazon )
• Little Green Frog ( Amazon )
• Alice the Camel ( Amazon )
• Baa Baa Black Sheep ( Amazon )

Did we miss some of your favorite toddler songs? Let us know in the comments!

Free Printable List of Songs

Click on the photo below for the free pdf download:

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

Reader Interactions

August 18, 2014 at 12:30 pm

My son’s favourite is #14 with Row, Row, Row Your Boat. His favourite bedtime one is Rock a by Baby. He also like the Wonky Donkey

August 20, 2014 at 1:27 am

My 4-year-olds LOVE Mr. Sun by Raffi and Five Green Apples (Farmer Brown Had…) by Sharon, Lois and Bram!

August 21, 2014 at 9:50 pm

Thank you! I will add these to my notebook!

August 20, 2014 at 3:34 am

Slippery Fish is a favorite of my class (2-3 year olds)

Oh yes! I keep forgetting about that song. Thank you, Lisa!

August 21, 2014 at 4:54 pm

I always loved “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” my mom used to sing to me! We always sang “Little Tom Tinker” as a round on car trips.

August 21, 2014 at 9:48 pm

Oh yes, those are good ones, too! Thank you!

August 25, 2014 at 7:35 am

Hop little bunnies is a great interactive song that can be mixed up with other animals too. A little cottage in a wood. Roll poly.

August 24, 2014 at 3:53 pm

My class of 1 and a half year olds to almost 3 love the baby bumblebee song!

August 24, 2014 at 10:12 pm

A fav one in belfast is baa baa white sheep a funny version of the original Kids love it baa baa white sheep have u any wool no sir no sir no bags full none for the master none for the fox and none for the little boy (girl) with holes in his (her) socks !

August 24, 2014 at 10:13 pm

My little ones always like It’s Raining, It’s Pouring The Old Man is Snoring.

August 25, 2014 at 7:25 am

My Grandson loves many of these songs – his early favourite was row row row your boat. He loves the Don Spencer Aussie Animals Collection especially “I’m an Aussie shark” We love Teddy Bears’ Picnic too sung in a hushed kind of scary voice!

August 25, 2014 at 12:22 pm

The Grand Ol’ Duke of York!

February 20, 2017 at 11:08 pm

We love this one!

August 25, 2014 at 1:47 pm

I’m surprised Ba Ba Black Sheep didn’t make the list. Absolutely my sons favourite.

August 25, 2014 at 5:59 pm

My son liked “1,2,3,4,5 once I caught a fish alive” and “one little finger” by SuperSimpleSongs. Also, “walking in the jungle” by SSS.

August 28, 2014 at 4:04 am

Good ones to add! Thank you!

September 3, 2014 at 10:12 am

How about Dingle Dangle Scarecrow can’t see that one and my mindees love it.

September 6, 2014 at 4:05 pm

I am Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee!!

October 15, 2014 at 12:14 am

Open Them &Shut Them….always a good one for very young children.

October 16, 2014 at 3:48 pm

Oh yes! That is one of our very favorites!

November 8, 2014 at 1:33 pm

Miss polly had a dolly, our 2 year old in class all love it. And diwn at the station early in the morning

November 10, 2014 at 7:34 pm

Yes, that is a good one, too!

January 29, 2015 at 9:36 pm

my sons favorite is Hurry Hurry drive the fire truck 🙂 and also the goodbye song and the cleanup song

January 30, 2015 at 6:45 pm

“A Rum Sum Sum” always is exciting and brings giggles!

April 23, 2015 at 5:32 am

Great list. Most of my 2yo’s favourites are on that list. The only other ones I can think of that he also loves are Humpty Dumpty, Michael Finnegan, Der Glumph and Open, Shut Them.

January 14, 2017 at 2:40 pm

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall 5 currant buns in a bakers shop These I sing with my granddaughter and fondly remembered from my childhood.

January 19, 2017 at 2:12 am

Oh yes, those are good ones, too! Thank you! Doll Finger Family

February 20, 2017 at 11:07 pm

Sleeping Bunnies!

10 Movement Songs For Preschoolers – Keep Your Kiddos Moving

Affiliate and Referral links are used below to promote products I love and recommend. I receive a commission on any purchases made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

It's no shock that toddlers and preschoolers are busy, busy kiddos. They are constantly moving, exploring, and learning through hands-on play. Movement songs are a fun way to get the wiggles out. Check out this list of ten movement songs for preschoolers here.

Movement songs are an excellent way to work on specific gross motor skills such as bilateral coordination , crossing midline  plus getting bonus proprioceptive and vestibular input.

Here are some fun movement songs for toddlers and preschoolers with some movement suggestions to go along with each song.

All of these songs can be found on YouTube so you can see exactly how each song and movement should go. 

Your preschoolers are going to love these fun action songs with tunes they probably already know.

10 Movement Songs for Toddlers and Preschoolers

If You're Happy And You Know It – Movements include clapping hands, stomping feet, shouting, and then doing all 3 in a row.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes – Movements include using both hands to touch your head, shoulders knees toes, eyes, mouth, ears, and nose. A great activity for body awareness too.

Shake Your Sillies Out (The Wiggles)  – Movements include shaking, nodding, clapping, jumping, and then stretching your bodies out as a rest.

The Hokey Pokey – Movements include using both sides of the body and discriminating between the left and right sides of the body.

Silly Dance Contest (Jim Gill) – We love this one because it works with lots of fun bilateral coordination moves and also works on terms like fast and slow.

The Goldfish (Let's Go Swimming) (Laurie Berkner) – Following the motions to a fun and silly song about goldfish doing things underwater.

Run Baby Run (Caspar Babypants) – Running in place, jumping, spinning, and many other fun movements with this song!

The Dinosaur Stomp (Mother Goose Playhouse Kids Song) – Stomping, chomping, crunching, munching, and even roaring like a dinosaur. A very fun song!

Rolly Polly (Mother Goose Playhouse Kids Song) – This one is an excellent song for learning about words such as up, down, in, out, left, right, and more!

Let's Get Movin' (Lauren Meyer) – Shaking to the side, hoping, turning around, touching the ground, and moving to the beat of the music.

I hope you enjoy these fun songs with your preschoolers.

My friend Angela has written an amazing song transitions book. It's a great way to help kids transition from one task to another. Grab your copy of Songs & Rhymes for Transitions to use in your preschool classroom or therapy sessions.

Do you have a favorite movement song that I missed? Let me know in the comments below.

You May Also Like:

• The Best Toddler Songs with Actions
• 10 Crossing Midline Exercises for Kids
• Summer Developmental Activities for Kids 
• 5 Tips for Difficulties with Scissor Skills
• Fine Motor Skills Checklist for Ages 3-5

Heather Greutman, COTA

Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with experience in school-based OT services for preschool through high school. She uses her background to share child development tips, tools, and strategies for parents, educators, and therapists. She is the author of many ebooks including The Basics of Fine Motor Skills, and Basics of Pre-Writing Skills, and co-author of Sensory Processing Explained: A Handbook for Parents and Educators.

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Thank you so much for this list! I just realized yesterday that preschool is starting a week later than I thought. Our summer sitter has already said goodbye. Two weeks is a looong time to make the most of with 2.75 year old twins. They are going to LOVE these when we start tomorrow!!!

Awesome, you’re welcome EJ! Have fun!

Thank you , those are great ides. I like and kids toooo The New Zoo Review and Listen And Move by Greg Scelsa Best regards and thank you for shering

Do you have any of the words to these songs. We do not have screen time for our little ones. The songs are good recommendations, many are new to me so thank you so much for putting them together. The Roly Poly song seems to need the video for the “in” concept.

Hi, I don’t. It becomes a copyright issue for me to include them all without permission from each author. I’m glad you found some new ones to include!

Google Nancy Stewart. She has great songs for preschool kids. Lots are movement songs. Dinocars and Dinosaur Dance Floor are some of my favorite. Don’t forget about Looby Loo and London Bridge.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER: Heather Greutman is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. All information on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or your pediatrician. Please consult with a medical professional if you suspect any medical or developmental issues with your child. The information on the Websites does not replace the relationship between therapist and client in a one-on-one treatment session with an individualized treatment plan based on their professional evaluation. The information provided on the Website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Do not rely on the information on the Website as an alternative to advice from your medical professional or healthcare provider. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment as a result of any information provided on the Website. All medical information on the Website is for informational purposes only.

All activities outlined on the Website are designed for completion with adult supervision. Please use your own judgment with your child and do not provide objects that could pose a choking hazard to young children. Never leave a child unattended during these activities. Please be aware of and follow all age recommendations on all products used in these activities. Growing Hands-On Kids is not liable for any injury when replicating any of the activities found on this blog.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY The Website was developed strictly for informational purposes. You understand and agree that you are fully responsible for your use of the information provided on the Website. Growing Hands-On Kids makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees. You understand that results may vary from person to person. Growing Hands-On Kids assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions that may appear on the Website.

The ADVENTURES of FLOSSY and PEBBLES THE DANE

20 Preschool Action and Movement Songs Your Kids Will Love (with Lyrics)

Your kiddos will have a blast moving to these 20 preschool action and movement songs! Follow along with the videos, or download the free, printable PDF of the lyrics.

As (part of) the old saying goes, there’s a time for everything: There’s a time for sharing a good children’s book with your kids. And there’s a time for cutting loose and breaking into song with them. This post is for the latter.

Today I have for you a round-up of 20 preschool action and movement songs your kiddos will love. You may remember some of them from your own childhood, but I’ve included videos and lyrics for you to follow along with just in case. I’ve also created a free, printable PDF of the lyrics for you to download if you’d like.

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Benefits of Action Songs

Children’s actions songs are much more than fun and games (although they are a lot of fun!). When your kids sing and act out preschool songs with movement, they reap benefits in many facets of their development, including:

• Memory and Recall
• Body Part Recognition
• Counting and Number Recognition
• Vocabulary and Speech
• Reading Readiness
• Gross and Fine Motor Skills
• Listening and Following Directions
• Attention Span and Concentration
• Confidence and Self-Esteem

Preschool Action and Movement Songs with Lyrics

Classic songs and nursery rhymes.

First up on the list are some classic preschool action songs and nursery rhymes. Enjoy a bit of nostalgia while teaching your little ones these timeless tunes!

Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush

“Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” is an English nursery rhyme that was first recorded by  James Orchard Halliwell in the mid-1800s. It features actions and lyrics that reinforce daily grooming routines in a fun way.

Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush ~ Lyrics

Here we go ’round the mulberry bush The mulberry bush The mulberry bush Here we go ’round the mulberry bush So early in the morning

This is the way we wash our face Wash our face Wash our face This is the way we wash our face So early in the morning

This is the way we comb our hair Comb our hair Comb our hair This is the way we comb our hair So early in the morning

This is the way we brush our teeth Brush our teeth Brush our teeth This is the way we brush our teeth So early in the morning

This is the way we put on our clothes Put on our clothes Put on our clothes This is the way we put on our clothes So early in the morning

The Wheels on the Bus

Wikipedia credits Verna Hills with writing “The Wheels on the Bus.” However, other sources say the true author of this preschool action song is unknown. The song based on “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush” and is sung to the same tune.

The Wheels on the Bus ~ Lyrics

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!

The people on the bus go up and down

Up and down, up and down

The people on the bus go up and down all through the town!

The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep

Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep

The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep all through the town!

The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish

Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish swish

The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish all through the town!

The signals on the bus go blink, blink, blink

Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink

The signals on the bus go blink, blink, blink all through the town!

The motor on the bus goes zoom, zoom, zoom

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom

The motor on the bus goes zoom, zoom, zoom all through the town!

The babies on the bus go waa, waa, waa

Waa, waa, waa, waa, waa, waa

The babies on the bus go waa, waa, waa all through the town!

The parents on the bus go shh, shh, shh

Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh, shh

The parents on the bus go shh, shh, shh all through the town!

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

“Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” is lively tune that will get your kids’ blood pumping while teaching them body part recognition.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes ~ Lyrics

Head, shoulders, knees and toes Knees and toes Head, shoulders, knees and toes Knees and toes Eyes and ears, and mouth, and nose Head, shoulders, knees and toes Knees and toes

I’m a Little Teapot

“I’m a Little Teapot” was written by George Harold Sanders and Clarence Z. Kelley, and published in 1939. Your kids will not only have a blast performing this preschool action song, they will look adorable doing it!

I’m a Little Teapot ~ Lyrics

I’m a little teapot Short and stout. Here is my handle, Here is my spout. When I get all steamed up Hear me shout: Tip me over And pour me out!

I’m a very special teapot This is true. Here’s an example Of what I can do. I can change my handle And my spout. Tip me over And pour me out!

If You’re Happy and You Know It

Although “If You’re Happy and You Know It” was credited to Joe Raposo in 1971 by Jonico Music when they filed a copyright for it, the song had been around for years (possibly, decades) and published by others prior to that date.

Regardless of who is truly responsible for writing this cheerful little ditty, it will surely put a smile on your kiddo’s face!

If You’re Happy and You Know It ~ Lyrics

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

If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, stomp your feet

If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (Hurray!) If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (Hurray!) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (Hurray!)

If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (hurray!) If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (hurray!) If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it, do all three (hurray!)

The Hokey Pokey

No list of preschool action songs would be complete without the good ‘ol “Hokey Pokey!” Your kids will have a blast shaking out their excess energy to this song while working on their body part recognition and coordination.

The Hokey Pokey ~ Lyrics

You put your right hand in You take your right hand out You put your right hand in And you shake it all about You do the hokey pokey And you turn yourself around That’s what it’s all about

You put your left hand in You take your left hand out You put your left hand in And you shake it all about You do the hokey pokey And you turn yourself around That’s what it’s all about

You put your right foot in You take your right foot out You put your right foot in And you shake it all about You do the hokey pokey And you turn yourself around That’s what it’s all about

You put your left foot in You take your left foot out You put your left foot in And you shake it all about You do the hokey pokey And you turn yourself around That’s what it’s all about

You put your whole self in You take your whole self out You put your whole self in And you shake it all about You do the hokey pokey And you turn yourself around That’s what it’s all about

Animal Action Songs for Kids

Next up is a collection of preschool action songs that feature animals.

I hesitated to include “Baby Shark” on the list because most people know it already (whether they have kids or not). But, since it’s so popular with the littles, I decided to share it after all. So, without further ado, here’s your earworm for the day.

Baby Shark ~ Lyrics

Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Baby shark!

Mommy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Mommy shark!

Daddy shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Daddy shark!

Grandma shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Grandma shark!

Grandpa shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Grandpa shark!

Let’s go hunt, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Let’s go hunt!

Run away, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Safe at last, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

Safe at last!

It’s the end, doo doo doo doo doo doo.

It’s the end!

Animal Dance and Freeze

Jack Hartmann’s “Animal Dance and Freeze” is a great way to familiarize little ones with wild animals. It also helps kids with their listening skills, and it builds “body and brain connections with crossing the midline moves.”

Animal Dance and Freeze ~ Lyrics

Move your lion paws, roar!

Move your monkey arms, swing!

Move your eagle wings, fly!

Move your head, hips and knees

And do the animal dance and freeze

Dance like a cheetah, run

Dance like a cheetah with me

Dance like a cheetah and freeze

Dance like an elephant, stomp, stomp

Dance like an elephant with me

Dance like an elephant and freeze

Dance like a giraffe, stretch, stretch

Dance like a giraffe with me

Dance like a giraffe and freeze

Dance like a crocodile, chomp, chomp

Dance like a crocodile with me

Dance like a crocodile and freeze

Dance like a gorilla, thump, thump

Dance like a gorilla like me

Dance like a gorilla and freeze

Dance like a snake, slither, slither

Dance like a snake with me

Dance like a snake and freeze

The Penguin Dance

Here’s another cute preschool action song from Pink Fong of “Baby Shark” fame. Instead of sharks, this one’s all about penguins.

The Penguin Dance ~ Lyrics

Penguins attention! Penguins begin!

Have you ever seen a penguin dancing here?

When you look at me a penguin you will see!

Right flipper!

Right flipper! Left flipper!

Right flipper! Left flipper! Right foot!

Right flipper! Left flipper! Right foot! Left foot!

Right flipper! Left flipper! Right foot! Left foot! Nod your head!

Penguins attention! Penguins begin! Right flipper! Left flipper! Right foot! Left foot! Nod your head! Turn around!

Penguins attention! Penguins dismissed!

“I Can Hop” by Maple Leaf Learning is a simple preschool action song that incorporates the movements and sounds of several different animals.

I Can Hop ~ Lyrics

Oh, I can hop like a rabbit. I can hop like a rabbit.

I can run like a dog. (Repeat)

I can walk like a duck. (Repeat)

I can jump like a frog. (Repeat)

I can fly like a bird. (Repeat)

I can swim like a fish. (Repeat)

I can stand on one leg and touch my nose like this. Ooooowooooh!

(Repeat all from the beginning)

Counting Songs

5 green and speckled frogs.

Your kids will love this funny finger play that helps them practice counting to 5.

5 Green and Speckled Frogs ~ Lyrics

Five green and speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum! Yum!

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool. Now there are four green speckled frogs. Glub! Glub!

Four green and speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum! Yum!

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool. Now there are three green speckled frogs. Glub! Glub!

Three green and speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum! Yum!

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool. Now there are two green speckled frogs. Glub! Glub!

Two green and speckled frogs Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum! Yum!

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool. Now there is one green speckled frog. Glub! Glub!

One green and speckled frog Sat on a speckled log, Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum! Yum!

One jumped into the pool, Where it was nice and cool. Now there are no green speckled frogs. Glub! Glub!

5 Little Fish

Jack Hartmann’s “5 Little Fish” is another finger play that helps kids practice counting to 5.

5 Little Fish ~ Lyrics

Hold up your hand – move your fingers to the beat

These are the fish swimming in the sea

When we start out let me see just one

Whoops say “hello” means another fish has come

One little fish swimming in the sea

Splishing and a splashing rockin’ to the beat

Here comes another fish, whoops say “hello”

Two little fish swimming in a row

Two little fish swimming in the sea

Here comes another fish, whoops, say “hello”

Three little fish swimming in a row

Three little fish swimming in the sea

Four little fish swimming in a row

Four little fish swimming in the sea

Five little fish swimming in a row

Five little fish swimming in the sea

Let’s wave good-bye ‘cause whoops there they go (repeat)

Funky Counting Song

“Funky Counting Song” by The Singing Walrus features more full-body movement than the previous 2 counting songs. From the disco vibe to the cute and funny character in the video, everything about this song screams fun!

Funky Counting Song ~ Lyrics

1, 2, 3, 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8 (5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 (9 and 10) Do it all again (Do it all again) 1, 2, 3, 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8 (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 (9 and 10) Raise your hands (Raise your hands) Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands 1, 2, 3, 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8 (5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 (9 and 10) Do it all again (Do it all again) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 Raise your hands (9 and 10 Raise your hands) Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands 1, 2, 3, 4 (1, 2, 3, 4) 5, 6, 7, 8 (5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 (9 and 10) Do it all again (Do it all again) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) 9 and 10 Raise your hands (9 and 10 Raise your hands) Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Sing with me now Oooh, yeah Sing with me Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands Oooh, yeah Clap your hands now Oooh, yeah Clap your hands

Chicken Count

“Chicken Count” is another great counting preschool action song that helps kids practice numbers 1-10 while acting out funny movements.

Chicken Count ~ Lyrics

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Chickens out of the chicken pen!

Chicken 1 and Chicken 2 (repeat)

Let’s all do the chicken chew (repeat)

Bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock bock Bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock bock

Chicken 2 and Chicken 3 (repeat)

Let’s all climb the chicken tree (repeat)

Chicken 3 and Chicken 4 (repeat)

Let’s all shut the chicken door (repeat)

Chicken 4 and Chicken 5 (repeat)

Let’s all do the chicken jive (repeat)

Chicken 5 and Chicken 6 (repeat)

Let’s all do the chicken mix (repeat)

Chicken 6 and Chicken 7 (repeat)

Let’s all fly to chicken heaven (repeat)

Chicken 7 and Chicken 8 (repeat)

Let’s all go on a chicken date (repeat)

Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss Kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss

Chicken 8 and Chicken 9 (repeat)

Let’s all shake the chicken hind (repeat)

Chicken 9 and Chicken 10 (repeat)

Let’s all strut back to our pen. (repeat)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Chickens back to the chicken pen!

Bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock, bock bock

Other Popular Action and Movement Songs for Preschoolers

Your littles will have great fun moving to this tune by Super Simple Songs. “Move” teaches kids body parts, action verbs, and how to follow directions.

Move ~ Lyrics

Move, move, move, move. Move, move, move, move. Move, move, move, move. Move to the left.

Move, move, move, move. Move, move, move, move. Move, move, move, move. Move to the right.

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..head!

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..toes!

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..chin!

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..knees!

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..shoulders!

Stop! Raise your arms. Turn around. Wiggle your fingers. Now touch your…..tummy!

Move move move move Move move move move Move move move move Move to the left.

Move move move move Move move move move Move move move move Move to the right.

Stop! Now sit down!

Clap Your Hands

“Clap Your Hands” by the Kiboomers is another preschool action and movement song that helps little ones with body part recognition.

Clap Your Hands ~ Lyrics

Get ready to clap your hands!

Clap, clap, clap your hands clap your hands together

Now, let’s pat our knees.

Pat, pat, pat your knees pat your knees together

Can you stomp your feet?

Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet stomp your feet together

Now, let’s blink our eyes!

Blink, blink, blink your eyes blink your eyes together

Get ready to wiggle your ears!

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle your ears wiggle your ears together

Now, clap your hands!

Shake Your Sillies Out

If your kids are on hyperdrive and it’s time for them to wind down, have them “Shake Their Sillies Out” to this tune by the Learning Station.

Shake Your Sillies Out ~ Lyrics

We’re gonna shake, shake, shake our sillies out

Shake, shake, shake our sillies out

And wiggle our waggles away.

We’re gonna clap, clap, clap, our crazies out

Clap, clap, clap our crazies out

We’re Gonna jump, jump, jump our jiggles out

Jump, jump, jump our jiggles out

We’re gonna jog, jog, jog our jitters out

Jog, jog, jog our jitters out

We’re gonna stretch, stretch, stretch our stretchies out

Stretch, stretch, stretch our stretchies out

We’re gonna yawn, yawn, yawn our yawnies out

Yawn, yawn our yawnies out

Yawn, yawn, yawn our yawnies out

(Repeat all)

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around

“Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around” is a sweet and simple preschool action song by The Kiboomers. It’s a bit more laid back than “Shake Your Sillies Out,” but still incorporates a range of movements for your kiddos to act out.

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around ~ Lyrics

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear turn around

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear touch the ground

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear reach up high

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear touch the sky

Reach way up!

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear find your nose

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear touch your toes

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear touch your knees

Teddy Bear Teddy Bear sit down please

Action Song

“Action Song” by The Singing Walrus is a catchy little tune that will have your littles clapping, stomping, and swinging to the beat.

Action Song ~ Lyrics

Naa, naa, naa I’m so happy

Oh, so happy

Dance/Sing with me

Clap, clap, clap your hands (kids repeat)

Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet (kids repeat)

Swing, swing, swing your arms (kids repeat)

Dance everybody and sing with me! (kids repeat)

Dance/Sing with me (2x)

Jump, jump, jump around (kids repeat)

Touch the sky and touch the ground (kids repeat)

Shake, shake, shake your hips (kids repeat)

I know a song, and it goes like this! (kids repeat)

(Breakdown)

Clap, clap, clap your hands

Stomp, stomp, stomp your feet

Swing, swing, swing your arms

Dance everybody and sing with me!

Jump, jump, jump around

Touch the sky and touch the ground

Shake, shake, shake your hips

I know a song, and it goes like this!

Dance/Sing with me (4x)

Stand Up, Sit Down

Last but not least on my list of preschool action and movement songs is “Stand Up, Sit Down” by Fun Kids English. Your kids will burn plenty of energy standing, sitting, hopping, and running to this fun little number.

Stand Up, Sit Down ~ Lyrics

Stand up stand up, sit down sit down

Stand up stand up, turn around turn around

Sit down sit down, stand up stand up

Turn around turn around turn around

Put one hand up, put one hand down

Put two hands up, put two hands down

Jump jump jump

Hop hop hop

Run run run

Stop stop stop!

That concludes my roundup of preschool action and movement songs. Let me know which songs your kids loved acting out the most in the comments, and feel free to share your own favorites if I didn’t include them on the list.

Free Printable: Preschool Action and Movement Song Lyrics

As promised, here are your free, printable lyrics for the preschool action and movement songs.

I put one song on each page so that you can print only what you need. Click the link below to open the PDF, then download a copy or just print the lyrics right from your browser.

Sharing is caring!

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Preschool Movement Songs: 15 Action Songs for Kids

Are you looking for the best music and movement songs for your preschool or Pre-K kids? Try these action songs that will get your kids moving while having tons of fun.

This list of 15 songs is a great way to add important gross motor practice into your daily classroom routine. You can use these 15 fun action songs to add important gross motor practice into your daily classroom routine. They’re also perfect to use during physical education (PE) classes, indoor recess, or anytime your kids need a to get their wiggles out.

Preschool Music and Movement Songs

Research has shown that movement increases blood flow to the brain, which means the more kids move, the more they learn! Adding intentional opportunities for your kids to move frequently throughout the school day can increase their engagement and attention spans.

I know you don’t have tons of spare time to search for and preview all the music and movement songs on YouTube, that’s why I did all the hard work for you – you’re welcome!

These free, preschool teacher-approved YouTube videos will help you add more music and movement into your daily routine.

Show these age-appropriate videos to your class on the big screen, or just play the audio if you prefer. Your kids will love singing, dancing, and most importantly, moving to these fun songs – with or without a screen!

There are plenty of music and movement videos and songs on YouTube that your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten kids will love, here’s a list of some of my favorites below.

Goldfish , by The Laurie Berkner Band Laurie Berkner and her band are known for their blockbuster hits, and this one is no exception.

Shake Your Sillies Out , by The Learning Station I dare you not to start shaking your own sillies out when listening to this song.

Tooty Ta , by Jack Hartmann This classic body movement song is a super silly one that all kids love!

Get Yo Body Movin’ , by Koo Koo Kanga Roo The title says it all, and the catchy music will have your kids begging for more!

Go Bananas , by The Learning Station I just adore Don Monopoli and all the fantastic music from this group, they’re always a favorite with the preschool crowd.

Preschool Songs for Music and Movement

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt , by The Kiboomers What do you get when you combine a classic story with body movements? A winner!

The Chicken Dance , by GoNoodle It’s not just for weddings, the Chicken Dance is perfect for preschoolers too!

If You’re Happy and You Know It , by Jack Hartmann This one is a forever classic that you probably remember from your own childhood. If only Jack had been around when I was a kid!

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes , by Super Simple Songs Another tried and true classic that your kids will adore.

Hokey Pokey , by The Learning Station- This classic song is sure to be a huge hit with your kids!

Freeze Dance , by The Kiboomers Did you know that the Freeze Dance isn’t just fun? It is also a great way to practice self-regulation skills.

Preschool Movement Songs

Walking in the Jungle , by Super Simple Songs

Walk Around , by Music with Nancy Enjoy the lovely voice of the talented Nancy Kopman in this fun movement song.

I Can Move My Body Like Anything , by Jack Hartmann

Alabama Mississippi , by Jim Gill If you’ve never seen Jim Gill in concert, run, don’t walk to the ticket booth! This catchy tune will stick with you for days as you “Shake it on down to New Orleans!”

Follow my Music and Movement playlist on YouTube if you prefer to watch the videos there!

More Preschool Music Ideas

• Circle Time Songs
• Good Morning Songs
• Preschool Transition Songs
• Lining Up Songs
• Friendship Songs
• Name Songs & Games
• Goodbye Songs

Why Movement is Important for Preschoolers and Toddlers

Children naturally have a love for both music and dancing. Movement is important for children because it helps them develop their gross motor skills.

Dancing allows children to discover some limits of their body and obtain better balance and coordination. A good sense of bodily awareness cam help to promote confidence and independence.

Music and Movement Play

Music and movement play is not only fun for children, but vital to their development. Music and movement play are activities that promote physical activity while listening to music, playing music or singing.

Lots of preschool programs have some sort of music and movement play because of the benefits!

Benefits of Incorporating Music and Movement Into Your Preschooler’s or Toddler’s Routine

So, what exactly are the benefits of incorporating music and movement into your preschooler’s or toddler’s routine?

There are a vast amount of benefits and we will explore them below!

Increased Memory

What is interesting about music is that it stimulates multiple parts of the brain. This type of stimulation is great for memory because it sharpens the executive functions, auditory encoding and attention control.

Language Development

Music has repetition and rhythm, which makes learning the words of a song interesting and fun to children. The different word and music repetitions make learning new words easier.

Music greatly helps children that are bilingual better understand words in their second languages.

Gross Motor Skills

Good music always wants to make me want to dance, and the same goes for children! Little ones love dancing and dancing is great for gross motor skill development.

I try to pick a good mix of songs that have directions for little ones to dance to (like Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes) and songs that allow for more free dance.

Attention Span

If your little ones need to get their wiggles out in order to focus listening to music is a great idea.

Music allows children’s brains to multitask because we listen and experience simultaneously. This multitasking is a valuable skill to have as they get older and increases attention span.

Coordination

Coordination is a direct result of exposure to gross motor skill development. When children dance and groove, they are learning how to move their bodies and what their physical limitations are.

Self Expression

Self expression is important at any age, and great to start young. It’s interesting what music and movement will bring out in children.

I love to see how they dance and what songs they gravitate more towards.

How To Use Music and Movement To Encourage Development in Preschoolers and Toddlers

Okay, so now we know that music and movement has lots of benefits for preschoolers and toddlers, but how can we use it?

Let’s discuss below!

Play Instruments

Playing instruments is a great way for children to not only learn to play music but also do a bit of self discovery.

Playing instruments requires fine motor skills and concentration, which are great for little ones to develop.

Introduce Various Types of Music

Introducing different types of music is a great way to

Encourage Independent Discovery

It’s so important and interesting to watch little ones discover who they are and were made to be. Music and movement helps with that.

Listening to music and moving helps children to discover what they like and encourages a journey of self discovery.

Share Educational Songs

Listening to music is a great way for children to learn various different things! There are songs out there to learn all kinds of things, like the books of the Bible or all 50 states!

Encourage Families

Help children get more movement and music by encouraging families to participate at home. Something you can do is share this blog with families so that caregivers have ideas too!

The best movement songs for preschoolers and toddlers are listed below in sections depending on your needs! I hope that this list helps you with ideas!

Lets get dancing!

The Best Movement Songs to Energize Your Preschooler or Toddler

If your preschoolers or toddlers are kind of sleepy and you need to get them dancing, this list is for you!

The Freeze Dance

Sing along & learn with The Kiboomers! The Freeze Dance is THE popular action song that you have heard at every school or birthday party celebration! All the kids have to do is dance when the music plays, and freeze when it stops!

This activity also helps your preschooler develop motor skills, listening skills, and social-emotional skills.

Baby Shark is probably one of the most popular children’s songs ever! Baby shark gets kids moving, grooving and having a good time!

Ring Around the Rosie

Ring Around the Rosie is a classic children’s song that many generations have grown up singing. This song energizes kiddos and encourages them to work together and then all fall down!

Shake Your Sillies Out

Children will learn the moves to, “Shake Your Sillies Out”. Your kids will have a blast with this silly and fun brain breaks action song!

Shake Your Sillies Out is great for brain breaks, circle time, group activities or those bad weather days when children can’t go outside to play.

The Ants Go Marching

The Ants Go Marching is a super fun children’s song that’s great to practice rhyming and counting! My kids love the Boom, Boom, Boom part because they can stomp their feet and clap their hands!

The Best Educational Movement Songs For Preschoolers and Toddlers

Music and education go hand in hand! Music and movement help to promote memory and these songs are educational and fun!

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Get up and stretch your arms and legs with Noodles & Pals and this perfect music & movement song for circle time, “Head Shoulders Knees And Toes”! Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes.

Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey is a fun action, dance song for children. It’s great for brain breaks, indoor recess, morning meeting, group activities and camp songs. Hokey Pokey also teaches body parts, listening skills and following directions.

Old MacDonald

Old MacDonald Had a Farm” is a nursery rhyme about a farmer and the events that take place on his farm that houses a wide variety of animals and livestock. The song is sung with each verse being changed usually at random to a different animal and respective animal noise.

Let’s play the Simon Says game with The Kiboomers! So listen carefully and join along! This action packed song is the perfect activity to do during circle time. What a fabulous way for students to expend their excess energy!

Sing along and learn with The Kiboomers preschool songs & nursery rhymes!! Dance along with our super fun action songs for circle time.

The Best Movement Songs That’ll Get Your Preschooler or Toddler Out of Their Seats

Get your preschooler or toddler up and grooving! These songs will get your little one out of their seat and ready to move!

Stomp to the Beat

Toddlers and Preschoolers have fun as they as they follow the fun music and movement song Stomp to the Beat. They stomp their feet, wave their arms and then speed up as the song progresses.

Going on a Bear Hunt

Come on! We’re going on a bear hunt, and don’t forget your binoculars.

This action-packed song is perfect for a brain break during circle time at home or in the classroom. It’s also a great way to introduce prepositions such as over, under, through, and in, and new vocabulary such as grass, mud, river, cave, and binoculars.

By engaging in this creative play, your child will develop motor skills, listening skills, and social-emotional skills. So, come along and join the fun!

Farmer in the Dell

Pop Goes the Weasel

“Pop Goes the Weasel” is a favorite song for kids. In this fun version, you will find some surprises. We have many different animals chasing the weasel, but can anyone catch him? … POP!

If You’re Happy and You Know It

Rosita is teaching Elmo and Abby a new song and dance called If You’re Happy and You Know It! It’s like Simon Says but with music! Sing along to this classic nursery rhyme!

The Best Movement Songs For Your Preschooler or Toddler That They Can Do While Sitting

Sometimes you just need your little ones to stay seated but also want them to be able to sing and wiggle! These songs are perfect for that!

The Wheels on the Bus

The Wheels on the Bus is a fun song that all kids enjoy! Bounce along in the bus all over town with this favorite nursery rhyme!

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

It’s time to sing along, learn and dance with the popular nursery rhyme Row Row Row Your Boat. This video emphasizes on learning theories through interactive videos to build creative thinking and intelligence among children.

You can have your kiddos sit at their desk or even make groups of “boats” while they are sitting down!

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Children all over the world absolutely adore Itsy Bitsy Spider, also known as Incy Wincy Spider. In this popular nursery rhyme, a spider climbs up the waterspout, but rain keeps pushing him down.

Who can help Itsy Bitsy? Is he going to succeed?

Mary had a Little Lamb

This song expresses the love and affection between Mary and her cute friend, the Little Lamb. Mary has a Little Lamb is a great song to sing and engage with while sitting down.

Baby Bumblebee

Enjoy the Baby Bumble bee song. It is a fun song about a little girl who hurt a little baby bumble bee.

This is a fun song that can be done while sitting which is great!

The Best Dance Party Songs For Your Preschooler or Toddler

In my experience, toddlers and preschoolers love for dance parties! If you have never had a dance party before bed with your littles, you should!

These songs are perfect for preschooler and toddler dance parties!

The Wiggles: Dance Party

Eat, Sleep, Party, Wiggle! The Wiggles are back with a Party and Play spectacular! Sing and dance along!

ABC Hip Hop Song

The Alphabet Hip-Hop don’t stop! The alphabet hip hop song is great to help little ones learn about letters and words that go along with those letters in a fun rhythm!

It’s Raining Tacos

Let me preface and say that this song is not educational in the least, but the kids love it! I mean, let’s be honest.. who doesn’t like tacos?!

Gummy Bear Song

Kids also love the Gummy Bear song. I don’t know what it is, maybe the silly lyrics or fun beat, but toddlers and preschoolers can’t get enough of this song.

Let’s be honest, I like it too!

Get ready to MOVE! Move to the left. Move to the right. Wiggle your fingers, raise your arms, turn around, and touch your toes! This TPR song for kids is great for a brain break or to review action verbs and parts of the body.

The Best Movement Songs For Your Preschooler or Toddler That Has Fun Videos

Children love videos, especially if they are fun and engaging. These songs have super fun and cool videos to watch while dancing!

We are the Dinosaurs

Dance and groove like your favorite dinosaur! Your little ones will love pretending that they are a dinosaur with this neat video!

The Stomp Clap Dance Song

Let’s get ready to stomp, clap and dance. Here is a fun new action song for kids. This Stomp Clap and Dance video is a great preschool movement song for any circle time or a brain break activity in the classroom.

Body Bougie

Body Boogie is a great brain breaks action, dance song to make it easy and fun to take a quick energy break. When children take a moment to sing, dance and move then they can return to their academics feeling happy, energized and renewed.

Schools are realizing the significant values of brain breaks in the classroom.

Icky Sticky Bubble Gum

cky Sticky Bubble Gum, a Movement Song for Kids, Preschoolers and Toddlers! Children of all ages love the Icky Sticky Bubble Gum Song. With silly motions preschoolers, kids and toddlers have fun getting their hands “stuck” to different body parts.

Miss Nina is REALLY silly in this song and your children will LOVE being silly with her and the icky sticky bubble gum!

The Go Bananas Song is a fun camp song with actions! This funny clean song is a great brain break for kids in the classroom or anyone else that likes to dance!

Sing along and follow the actions of the dancing fruit and get ready to go go bananas! Also get ready to mash potatoes, pop some corn, and rock the mullet!

More of The Best Movement Songs For Your Preschooler or Toddler

If you need more movement songs for your preschooler or toddler, I have a few more to share!

Listen and Move

During this song, kiddos listen to the directions and they get to do different movements when they are told. This is a great way to get them up, moving and following directions.

London Bridge is Falling Down

This song is a classic that so many kids have loved. Kiddos love dancing and singing rhyming songs!

I’m A Little Tea Pot

Kids love singing along with this classic, I’m a Little Teapot Short and Stout. Meet a little teapot and her friends in this story song. They learn that everyone is different and has something special to offer.

5 Little Ducks

The 5 Little Ducks song is a super cute song about 5 ducks that disappear from their mama. This song involves counting down which is great for little ones to learn!

Shake and Move

Shake and move children’s song. Wiggle and shake body parts. Learn body parts for kids, toddlers, babies and all children. Eyes, ears, nose and shake, shake, shake fun for children.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Movement Songs For Preschoolers and Toddlers

Do you have any questions about the best movement songs for preschoolers and toddlers? I have answered some common questions below, but feel free to leave any others in the comments!

When should I introduce movement songs to my child?

Movement songs are great to introduce to children as toddlers. Toddlers can actively listen to the music and follow the directions of the music or simply dance to the beat.

I love to watch toddlers listen to movement songs for the first time. Their eyes light up, and they just want to move and dance!

What is the best time of day to do movement songs with my preschooler?

We know that movement songs are great for preschoolers and toddlers, but when is the perfect time to do them?

Circle time in the morning is a great time to do movement songs. Movement songs help to get their sillies and wiggles out.

You can also do these songs after nap time to help wake up the kiddos and get them prepared for an afternoon of learning.

Music and movement is vital to children’s development and self discovery. I love turning on the music and seeing what my little ones do.

What are your favorite movement songs? Let me know in the comments below!

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Bruce Springsteen's kids: All about Evan, Jessica and Sam

Bruce Springsteen was born to … make breakfast for his kids.

“Should the whole music thing go south, I will be able to hold a job between the hours of 5:00 and 11:00 a.m. at any diner in America,” Springsteen told Esquire in 2018. “Feeding your children is an act of great intimacy, and I received my rewards: the sounds of forks clattering on breakfast plates, toast popping out of the toaster.”

The 20-time Grammy winner and his wife, singer Patti Scialfa , share three children: Evan, 34, Jessica, 32, and Sam, 30. Though Springsteen is no longer flipping pancakes before school, he is always showing his love for his family. 

Springsteen and Scialfa are fixtures at their daughter’s equestrian competitions. 

“They make it to the shows as often as they can,” Jessica said during a conversation with People . “When they’re not here, they’re watching online.”

“They’re the best supports,” she added. “They’re always happy no matter how I do.”

Read on to learn about Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa’s three kids.

Evan Springsteen, 34

Springsteen and Scialfa welcomed their first child on July 25, 1990. Evan, like his parents, has a passion for music and has appeared on stage with his dad. 

Evan, who keeps a low profile, graduated from Boston College in 2012 and works for Apple as a music programmer in New York City. He was previously at Sirius XM. 

Springsteen has described Evan and his brother, Sam, as “two good men.”

“I would say their qualities are, they’re sensitive. They’re respectful of others. They are not locked into a 1950s sensibility of manhood, which I had to contend with,” Springsteen told Esquire in 2018. “Consequently, their attitudes toward women and the world are free of those archetypes, and that frees them to be who they are and have deeper and more meaningful relationships.”

Jessica Springsteen, 32

The Duke University graduate is a professional show jumper and competed at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Dubbed the “equestrian It girl” by Harper’s Bazaar , Jessica has served as a brand ambassador for Polo Ralph Lauren and Gucci. 

“I struggled to balance high school and college with my riding. It was tough. I didn’t have much of a social life. But my dad always reminded me that it’s so rare in life to find something you’re so passionate about, that brings you so much joy,” Jessica wrote in an essay for Women’s Health . “And when you find that, you have to really respect it and pursue it.”

Sam Springsteen, 30

Sam, a firefighter in the state of New Jersey, shares daughter Lily Harper with his wife, Alex Reph.

Lily was born in 2022.

“Patti is not going to be called ‘grandma,’ Springsteen joked on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that year. “She can’t speak yet so we don’t know what she’ll call us.”

“Springsteen then quipped, “I’m going for anything except, ‘The Boss!’” 

In January 2020, Sam was  sworn in as a firefighter . When Springsteen attended the ceremony, he told  CBS , “It was a long road. He was very dedicated for quite a few years, and we are just excited for him today.”

Sam told the news station that the training he went through “wasn’t easy.”

Rachel Paula Abrahamson is a lifestyle reporter who writes for the parenting, health and shop verticals. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and elsewhere. Rachel lives in the Boston area with her husband and their two daughters. Follow her on Instagram .

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MJ Lenderman joins rock and roll’s lineage of heartbreak kids

MJ Lenderman's fifth solo album, Manning Fireworks , finds inspiration in The Band and the Drive-By Truckers. Charlie Boss/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

This essay first appeared in the NPR Music newsletter.  Sign up  for early access to articles like this one, Tiny Desk exclusives, listening recommendations and more.

Can you remember the worst place where someone broke up with you? I think mine was my own San Francisco flat, during a New Year’s Eve party I was throwing — there I stood, stranded at midnight, nursing my plastic cup of André. Maybe your painful dumping happened at a show by your favorite band, or in the hallway outside an important class or meeting, or at a fancy restaurant before the second course came. These days, most breakups seem to unfold virtually; I’m not sure if this is a merciful development. A devastating text message allows for better camouflage when the tears well up. But it’s a closed casket. Facing reality can be harder when those ruinous words aren’t delivered directly from the mouth you will never kiss again.

MJ Lenderman , the North Carolina-based indie-rock bard who has just released his fifth solo album, Manning Fireworks , locates its most poignant moment of heartbreak in a perfectly pedestrian location. I’m reading “You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In” as a breakup song, though its wry poeticism fogs up the narrative a bit; the album abounds with stories of people who can’t maintain connections, and this one stands out as particularly tender, a love song sung after the reason for its existence has petered out. “We sat under a half-mast McDonald’s flag,” Lenderman sings in his crackly tenor as Shane McCord plays some mournfully deflating clarinet lines. “Broken birds tumble past my window.” Parking lot birds, the grimiest, most depressing kind.

As always, the perspective in this song is as fractured as the imagery; it’s unclear whether he’s doing the dumping, or if the partner from whom he’s drifted is the active party, or if he’s imagining the heartache of a friend. The scene feels as real as a tumble of mixed-up emotions, but that little dash of gritty realism — the fast-food emblem serving as a witness — turns out to be borrowed from a meme: Images of lowered flags at the fast-food giant’s franchises have been reposted on social media to signify everything from the death of a dignitary to a broken ice-cream machine . That’s Lenderman’s style: He’s a homespun magical realist, always throwing in something off-kilter to elevate his tales of lovable losers.

“You Don’t Know the Shape I’m In” is one of the quieter moments on Manning Fireworks , and possibly one of the more personal ones. Lenderman eschews straight-up confessional writing, but he and his ex (and — more people should be saying it — major songwriting influence) Karly Hartzman, both members of the beloved Asheville band Wednesday , severed their romantic bond during a grueling year as both the band’s and Lenderman’s solo star were on the rise. The sweet thing about this ballad, surrounded by other songs about emotional failure from the edgelord-eviscerating “Wristwatch” to the road-dog insomniac ramble “On My Knees,” is the way it forgives its wayward protagonists. Though someone punches a wall in the third verse, the song concludes in a disorganized flurry of woodwinds that scatters away any blame. The song itself heals the wound. “Clarinet singin’ its lonesome duckwalk,” Lenderman intones. “What else can you say to a friend with a broken heart?” Hartzman’s singing harmony.

Comparing Lenderman’s account of a deflating dream with its clear inspiration, The Band ’s 1970 stomper “ The Shape I’m In ,” exposes a multi-generational shift in rock’s prevalent attitudes. Robbie Robertson ’s portrait of a rogue in distress is a standout track on the Canadian American ensemble’s third album, Stage Fright , released at the height of its stardom and colored by the troubles a rise like theirs (and, though things are different these days, Lenderman’s) can bring. After its Dylan -assisted debut Music from Big Pink and even more popular self-titled second album, the group was prospering financially and artistically, but heroin had infiltrated its ranks, with keyboardist Richard Manuel and bassist Rick Danko struggling particularly hard. The cleaner-living Robertson wrote “Shape” as a vehicle for Manuel, eerily predicting his bandmate’s eventual breakdown. (Manuel died by suicide in 1986.)

Musically, the song is wildly uptempo in The Band’s signature disassembling way, a manic episode fed by swagger and desperation. The song’s narrator preaches and proclaims and frantically calls for the woman who’s left him, screaming out words of advice and supplication that culminate in a lost soul’s cry for justice: “Now here I am back on the street for the crime of having nowhere to go!” Manuel howls as Levon Helm ’s drums beat a quick path toward Garth Hudson’s churchy keyboards. Listening to it for the thousandth time, I suddenly realized its relationship to Otis Redding ’s classic “ (Sittin’ On the) Dock of the Bay ” — “I can’t do what 10 people tell me to do,” Redding declared in that missive from the end of the line, the triumph in his voice a last gasp in the face of defeat. He was trying to tell us the shape he was in, but in the end, he could only whistle.

After much searching, we found the perfect spot right outside their window. Or did it find us? Levon and Rick's yard. Woodstock, NY, '68 Elliott Landy/LandyVision, Inc hide caption

After much searching, we found the perfect spot right outside their window. Or did it find us? Levon and Rick's yard. Woodstock, NY, '68

Music Features

50 years on, the band's 'music from big pink' haunts us still.

In “Dock of the Bay,” Redding is on his knees. Except for that rousing moment in the bridge, he’s not a menace to anyone but himself. The voice in “The Shape I’m In,” on the other hand, could wreak havoc — there’s a masculine power behind his disorganized fury that’s compelling and frightening. Lenderman imagines a guy like that in the title track of Manning Fireworks , the kind of marginal character whom people want around because he’s risky and adventurous; but the 25-year-old songwriter knows enough to issue a warning about him. "You was once a baby and now a jerk," he sings over a Hudson-style organ swell. “Standing close to the pyre, manning fireworks.” Lenderman knows that wild men like that can’t be trusted near explosives, including explosive emotions.

That’s the difference between Manning Fireworks and Stage Fright , though they remain spiritually intertwined. Robertson’s songwriting always incorporates grandeur: biblical references; evocations of a mythic, weird America; the healing potential of carnival and catharsis. In “The Shape I’m In,” he’s expressing serious doubts about his bandmate’s downward spiral, but he still turns it into a hero’s journey. Lenderman doesn’t really like heroes; even at his most imaginative, he exudes a certain modesty, and his characters stumble most drastically when they’re emboldened enough to overstep. (Consider the D.U.I.-injured seminarian flirting with the nurse caring for his wound “ ‘til it burns” in the pathetic Christmas carol “Rudolph.”) This stance is personal — rooted, he’s said, in his own Catholic shame and his education at the hands of Southern naturalists like the late fiction writer Larry Brown and Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley of the Drive-By Truckers . But I think it’s also very indie rock.

The shift in attitude that began with indie titans like The Replacements ’ Paul Westerberg , who famously wrote , “God, what a mess, on the ladder of success / when you take one step and miss the whole first rung,” made rock less heroic — there was less to live up to within its mythologies, and a wider array of people were able to take them on. Women, in particular, started carving out a larger role within regional scenes and making a bigger mark globally. As much as Manning Fireworks recalls The Band and its West Coast counterpart, Neil Young ’s Crazy Horse, Lenderman is unmistakably a scion of that less grandiose, more self-conscious era — Hood and Cooley learned much of their art from Westerberg and his peers.

Wednesday performs a Tiny Desk concert. Michael Zamora/NPR/NPR hide caption

Wednesday performs a Tiny Desk concert.

Wednesday: Tiny Desk Concert

In Wednesday, Hartzman expands on rock and roll’s glorious loser stories with a strong awareness of class and gender; her songs are rich portraits of (chosen or inherited) families and communities, often damaged but surviving by the skin of their teeth: The kids who witness all kinds of mischief in the band’s “ Quarry ,” for example, ultimately conclude, “we had to add it to the tab.” The songs on Manning Fireworks are more narrowly focused, but they do make room for points of view like Hartzman’s. It strikes me as almost unbearably tender that his “You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In” doesn’t name a wrongdoer in its unraveled romance. Even if the lyrics have nothing to do with his and Hartzman’s own experience, as a songwriter, Lenderman keeps the “she said” side of the story in view as he tells his (narrator’s) own. That’s something Robertson didn’t do in “The Shape I’m In”; the woman is absent, part of the hopelessness at the heart of the song’s crisis.

Maybe the more modest, less alpha attitude Lenderman projects isn’t generational. Robertson could write painfully tender heartbreak ballads: Witness “ It Makes No Difference ” from 1975, maybe The Band’s most nakedly emotional moment. But the modesty this new rock hope projects inspires me; it leaves different doors open. As Lenderman sings in “She’s Leaving You,” another song about heartbreak and the dumb behavior that can cause it, “we’ve all got work to do.”

• MJ Lenderman

Why Josef Newgarden will miss racing on Broadway, looks forward to Nashville Superspeedway

The first time Josef Newgarden woke up Monday morning, he felt like the world was spinning around him.

The second time the two-time IndyCar champion woke up Monday morning, he was worried.

"It was very sudden. I woke up in the middle of the night and I started getting vertigo conditions," the back-to-back Indianapolis 500 winner told The Tennessean on his way home from the doctor's office Monday afternoon. "I've never had that."

Newgarden, who grew up in Hendersonville , had been sleeping in his own bed because he is in town for Sunday's Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway.

So, after contemplating his options, he decided to pay a visit to his physical therapist.

"I was like, 'I think this is muscular,' " Newgarden said.

By late Monday afternoon, after a 90-minute session, he felt back on his axis.

"I think it's all good," he said.

Just in time for him to continue preparing for the IndyCar Series season finale. This year's race moves from the streets of Nashville to the oval speedway in Lebanon.

Josef Newgarden on disqualification: 'It was illuminating'

Josef Newgarden woke up the Monday morning of March 11 the winner of the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Newgarden woke up the Wednesday morning of April 24 not the winner of the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Six weeks after the victory, IndyCar disqualified Newgarden and one of his teammates after it was determined they violated rules surrounding the use of its push-to-pass system , which is designed to make races more exciting.

Essentially, the mechanism gives cars short bursts of power — 150-200 seconds per race — with the push of a button and is used at the driver's discretion.

"You have to learn how to face those things head-on, even when you least expect them," Newgarden said. "I can promise you, nobody in our group was expecting something like this to land on our front doorstep."

"It was illuminating in a lot of ways for me as an individual and a competitor," he said. "I wasn't asking to be put in that situation . . .

"In a lot of ways I'm thankful. You have to understand people's true intentions and their true colors at the end of the day, and that showed me a lot of people's ambitions."

His other win this season besides Indy also was clouded with controversy — and garnered a middle finger from Will Power , one of his teammates. Newgarden's late, slow restart with nine laps to go was called into question and contributed to a crash that took Power out of the race.

Josef Newgarden has never raced at Nashville Superspeedway

Josef Newgarden woke up on Saturday and Sunday mornings as a kid in Hendersonville eager to watch the races taking place a little more than 30 miles down the road in Lebanon.

He will wake up this Sunday morning eager to drive in a race there.

That this year's competition moves from the streets of downtown to the paved oval east of town only adds to the intrigue for Newgarden, who has two wins and six top-10 finishes this season.

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"I used to watch races at Nashville Superspeedway growing up," he said. "I've never had an opportunity to race there.

"To some degree, I would have loved the race on Broadway. I was excited for that. I'm personally equally excited about going (to Nashville Superspeedway)."

Newgarden finished fourth in last year's Nashville race and was in contention for the series championship going into it.

This year, he is in eight place with 365 points; the DQ from the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg cost him 53 points.

"Oddly enough, it seems like it's a while ago now," Newgarden said of the season-opening race. "That situation in particular was very difficult."

Paul Skrbina is a sports enterprise reporter covering the Predators, Titans, Nashville SC, local colleges and local sports for The Tennessean. Reach him at [email protected] and on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter)  @paulskrbina . Follow his work  here .

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