Variations to make classic songs more fun
Are you getting sick of singing the same old songs with your kids? We can help.
If you’ve been hanging out with us over on Wee Talkers, you know that songs and rhymes are something we love to share. We teach you songs and rhymes that help you connect, play, and teach your little one early communication skills, and it’s so fun to see you put those songs into action. Plus, there are so many benefits to singing with babies and toddlers.
But even if you love and sing ALL the classics, you still only end up with a couple songs in your parenting toolbox, because there are only so many go-to songs. And in that case, we can almost guarantee you and/or your child will eventually be SUPER over them! Which is exactly why we love to also teach you new songs and rhymes--ones that most parents tell us they’ve never heard even before-- but that kids LOVE.
This post is all about giving you an easy way to expand that parenting toolbox without having to go and learn the lyrics to a bunch of new songs. These little variations on classic kid songs will give you tons of options and hours of new fun together.
Why Variations on Classic Kid Songs are SO Great
1. Singing with our kids can help encourage them to copy us, make sounds, and say words.
2. We want our kids to engage in the songs with us. If we sing a song they like and know, they are more likely to be able to participate and enjoy the experience. Variations keep things interesting and new, but not SO new that our kids can’t join in. “Joining in” may look like listening and dancing a bit for a young toddler. With repetition, they begin to copy simple gestures and eventually sounds and words.
3. They’re also easier on us. Parents have a lot on their plates, so let’s make things easier on ourselves when possible. No new lyrics or melodies to learn here!
Does your child love any of these classic kid songs?
The first step in creating a variation on a classic is having at least one classic down-pat. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know them all. If there’s even just one your child loves from this list, then you have everything you need to get a little creative.
How To Put Variations on Classic Kid Songs
Like we mentioned above, we’re keeping this EASY!
Step 1: Use the exact same tune as your favorite classic song.
Step 2: Switch up the lyrics, the speed, or really anything else.
Here’s an example with The Wheels on the Bus:
Why we Love These Variations
Animals
Animals SOUNDS are fun and easier to copy and try to say than full words are. They’re great to use before kids can say words. (And, they totally count as first words!) Plus, many kids really like animals, so adding them in makes this song really engaging.
Added Bonus: Working on naming the animals and their sounds is a fun activity for them!
Things That Go!
So many kids we work with LOVE cars, trucks, tractors, bikes-- anything with wheels! And, with the “round and round” part of the song staying consistent, it’s easier for your little one to join in.
Other Fun Variations for Classic Kid Songs
These variations make singing together, learning language, and interacting with us FUN, which is awesome for keeping them engaged as they work on their communication skills.
Try singing their favorite song:
Faster
Slower
Louder
Quieter
...or switch between all 4!
Or, shake things up by:
Adding their name into the song
Singing something silly (anything goes!)
Change the lyrics to match what’s happening in the moment
Want more easy ways to connect & communicate?
We would love to send you a bath time song idea! This is a video from our TalkToddler Community, which is our membership for moms of toddlers. Each month, we teach a new songs & rhymes class (plus so much more!)
Get the bath songs! + toddler story time
If you love the simplicity, the developmental benefits, and all the little giggles that come from singing songs and rhymes together, then we think you’d love our baby and toddler courses. They’re packed full of information to help you understand and encourage your little one’s language development, and they have tons of fun new songs ideas from us-- two SLPs!