October 2026 – Music Moments
Non-Scary October Songs for Preschool & Toddlers
October can be scary. I mean, the month itself isn’t terrifying (unless your workload or life stress is looming like a constant dark shadow…in which case, I’m sorry! Stay strong!). But if you work in early childhood education as a preschool teacher or daycare director, or you have toddlers and little ones of your own, you probably share my opinion: October can feel very real (and very scary) for little ones.
The Halloween lead-up in stores starts in AUGUST. (Ugh! What is with that?! Consumerism, I know.) Step foot in a Home Depot or Costco and suddenly bigger-than-life-size ghouls and goblins are staring you down. When my own three were little, we did everything possible to avoid the scary stuff (unless we wanted to be up with the too-nervous-to-sleep kiddo, or woken by the sounds of a bad dream).
So when it comes to preschool music, and October music classes especially, I keep it light. We stick to fall themes, pumpkins, bats, cats, and playing pretend.
Why Minor Key Music Sounds Spooky (and Why It’s Still Okay for Little Kids)
That said, I do think it’s fun (and helpful) to introduce kiddos to music that sounds a little more mysterious. A little more dramatic. That usually means singing or playing something in a minor key. Those pitches and chords often convey sadness or suspense, which can come across as scary. Playing with dynamics and changes in tempo can also add to the music’s character.
Obviously, we keep it playful in our preschool music classes. With music for ages 1-6, the Little Kiddos Music Academy® curricula never dabble in the dark!
But are you curious what actually makes music sound scary? I broke it all down here: What Makes Music Scary?
Some Favorite Non-Scary October Songs for Preschool
Halloween Preschool Song for Drums The dynamics and minor sound give this drumming song a fun, spooky (but not scary!) feel.
Pass the Pumpkin is a music class classic for October! This Halloween song feels scary but isn’t! It’s a great opportunity to have kiddos really practice keeping a steady beat. (It might not always happen and they’ll be very tempted to turn it into a round of Hot Potato, so reinforce that steady beat-keeping! In fact, we call it our STEADY BEAT PUMPKIN!)
Full Body October Preschool Movement Song without a hint of scary! Just fall and October-themed fun!
If you’re subscribed to the monthly newsletter, Musical Moments with Ms. Jenny, you received some bonus pumpkin songs and printables for your preschool music fun this October!
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Visiting the Little Kiddos Music Academy® YouTube channel provides you with a pretty extensive Halloween playlist to check out: Halloween Preschool Songs Playlist
I l-O-V-E providing music listening suggestions each month for you. Think of them as spicy treats for ears of all ages.
My rule? No cringey kid-music (you know the kind!). Every piece has to be good for all ages, and especially right for the month and topic at hand.
So this month’s music appreciation picks do dabble in the dramatic. But again, not the scary! 😊
October Music Appreciation for FOR EARS OF ALL AGES:
🎧 Dies Irae — Guiseppe Verdi
If this Requiem doesn’t get your heart pumping, I don’t know what will. It’s called, “Day of Wrath,” so yeah, it’s intense!
🎧 Sensemayá — Silvestre Revueltas
This dramatic piece by Mexican composer, Silvestre Revueltas, is based on a poem that’s about…killing a snake (a metaphor for evil). So, yes, it’s dark in tone, for sure. I love the repetive nature of the bassoons and low brass at the beginning. That alone adds suspense!
🎧 Ride of the Valkyries — Richard Wagner
It’s a classic. It’s definitely full of passion and intensity. This piece is perfect for October preschool music appreciation because, more than sounding scary, it’s painting a picture of epic adventure. The imagination can run wild on this one without the addition of fear.
🎧 The Goblin Band — Casa Loma Orchestra
So swingy, so jazzy, so fun and with occasional muted brass and descending runs, it’s whimsical and wild.
October STEM & Extension Activities for Preschoolers
Looking to extend the learning beyond music? These preschool STEAM activities are perfect for the fall.
🎃Pumpkin Exploration Lab
STEM Focus: Math, Science
Cut open a pumpkin (save the seeds for next activity) and have kiddos make observations on seeds, pulp, texture, weight, smell, etc.
Questions:
- Are the seeds smooth or rough?
- Heavy or light?
- Can you sort them into similar sizes?
- How many can we count?
This teaches sensory exploration, science exploration and vocabulary.
🌱 Pumpkin Seed Germination
STEAM Focus: Science (observation) & Art
Place seeds in a plastic cup on top of a damp paper towel and watch for sprouting. Signs of growth typically appear in the first week. Have kiddo(s) draw what they observe each week.
🎶Seasonal Sounds
STEAM Focus: (Language, Literacy), Music
Help kiddo(s) count and clap syllables in seasonal words. (i.e. Pump-kin. Jack-o-lan-tern, bat). You could also play them on instruments and match them to rhythms. Quarter note = one sound, one beat. (Bat). Double-eighth note = two sounds, one beat. (Pump-kin.)
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.
