September 2026 – Music Moments
Preschools and Daycares: Starting a New Year as Smoothly as Possible
Whether you’ve been in school for a few weeks already or you’re just starting out, one thing I think we can all agree on — this is the time of year when everybody’s adjusting. New routines, new schedules, getting back into the swing of school (or work). Maybe you’ve got a brand new class of little kiddos to figure out! We’re all getting back into the groove of things.
So, in order to help this adjustment be as groovy as possible for you, this month’s post is a Back-to-School special — with a particular focus on how to embrace challenge, change, and new beginnings, preschool-music-style.
Transitioning Back to School with Music
New “routines” take a minute for kiddos to learn. (And by minute, I mean days… weeks…) The sooner preschool teachers or daycare owners can make routine routine — see what I did there? — the quicker things get easier for everyone.
One of the very best ways to do this is, of course, music.
Setting as much of the day as possible to music will drastically help with the flow of a preschool classroom or daycare center. Transition time really should equal music time.
I tell you all about how to make this happen (with a bunch of ideas) here: 10 Easy Ways to Add Music to Your Preschool or Daycare Day
When there’s a new environment, a new teacher, new friends — little kiddos can take a while to feel comfortable. Having rock-solid preschool classroom management is the key to success. If you aren’t using the 4 R’s yet… well, I highly recommend it. Figuring out this formula has been the foundation in my classrooms through over 25 years of teaching.
Preschool Classroom Management (Especially for Music Class)
Shake Those Sillies Out: Full-Body Movement Songs
There’s a lot of extra excited energy at the beginning of the year. That’s often how the nerves show up — in silly-sauce, goofy, high-energy shenanigans. And that’s exactly when it’s time for a movement break, to help everyone shake their sillies out.
I’ve got plenty of movement songs to choose from on the Movement Playlist on the Little Kiddos Music Academy® YouTube channel. But some of our more recent favorites are:
My Thumbs Are Starting to Wiggle
If you aren’t already subscribed, be sure to sign up for the monthly newsletter quick access to tips, tricks, and activities for adding preschool music to your life.
Music for At-Home & Homeschool Preschool
Homeschool families — I know some of you homeschool year-round to stay in the rhythm of things. And while this post leans a bit more toward educators in a classroom setting, I haven’t forgotten about you! Here are some super easy ways to add music to your Homeschool Preschool.
Looking for the best instruments for at-home music learning for toddlers and preschoolers? I’ve got you covered! THE BEST Instruments for Toddlers & Preschoolers.
And if you’re looking for the best and easiest way to add music to your family’s life… I’ve really got you covered. Preschool Music Class Videos – Family License — made just for you.
September Music Appreciation for FOR EARS OF ALL AGES:
I decided this month’s listening theme was music for embracing that change can be hard, but new beginnings are worth looking forward to. Kind of a broad topic, but it felt fitting heading into the unknown of a new school year.
🎧 Almost There — Anika Noni Rose
Such a great song from one of my favorites, The Princess and the Frog. (That New Orleans music just can’t be beat!) Working hard to push through that last almost there is sometimes the hardest part of a new endeavor.
🎧 Reverie — Claude Debussy
For when all the newness starts feeling a bit overwhelming, just listen to the hope drip from Claude Debussy’s daydream. It’s so very soothing.
🎧 Color Esperanza — Diego Torres
This one is all about shedding fears, embracing hope, and painting a picture of the future. Such a great message, and when that tempo picks up in the middle, it’s hard not to dance the stress away.
🎧 Autumn Leaves — Bill Evans Trio
Because September brings the start of autumn, and when you just need an escape from the craziness, this one’s it!
September STEM & Extension Activities for Preschoolers
Looking to extend the learning beyond music? These preschool leaf STEAM activities are perfect for the fall.
🍂Leaf Sorting
STEM Focus: Math, Science
Collect leaves outside and help kiddos make observations about appearance and sort.
Group by:
- Color
- Size
- Shape
- Edges (smooth or jagged)
You could then count how many fit in each group and make a graph.
🎨 Leaf Rubbing
STEAM Focus: Science (observation) & Art
After hunting and sorting the leaves, do leaf rubbings. Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons. Collect leaves outside (or use fabric leaves or cut leaf shapes out of sponge) and dip in paint to make leaf prints on paper.
🎶Leafy Pokey
STEAM Focus: Music
Do the Leafy Pokey! Sing or use an instrumental version of the Hokey Pokey. I like this one by Russ Bauer it’s not as fast or chaotic as some. Rather than just body parts in and out, up and down, use some printable leaves. “You put your leaves up high. You put your leaves down low. You put your leaves up high and you shake them to and fro, you do the Leafy Pokey, and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about!
Little Kiddos Music Academy®
Learn more about the easiest way to bring quality music education into your preschool
Forty playful, evidence-based music classes designed specifically for ages 1–6 teach real music skills through singing, movement, storytelling, and hands-on instrument play.
For Daycares and Individual Teachers 👉 Teacher Access
Educators receive:
- Forty video music classes
- A full Educator Resource Library
- Extension activities and printables with each lesson and beyond!
- Teaching tips gathered from 25+ years of early childhood music experience
- Seasonal Show-and-Share Programs for families
- …and more!
The Show-and-Share Programs are ready-to-use performances and are often educators’ favorite resource because they make family events simple and stress-free. We love that!
The School Video License is ideal for multiple classrooms, teachers, and locations. 👉 School-Wide Music Video Curriculum License
The Teacher Video License is perfect for individual teachers and in-home daycare providers. 👉 Preschool Teacher Music Video Curriculum License It also works great as complete, ready-to-go sub plans.
