Top Most Popular Early Years Ukulele Songs to Teach Kids
Kids love ukuleles!
The Ukulele - It’s Fun to Learn Through Music!
The ukulele is more than just a cheerful little instrument; it’s a gateway to creativity, learning, and bonding - especially for children. If you’ve ever watched a child strumming a ukulele with a big grin on their face, you already know the magic it brings. But did you know that introducing kids to the ukulele can have lasting benefits for their development? And when paired with simple songs and repetitive rhymes, it becomes an even more powerful tool for early learning.
Let’s find out why the ukulele is perfect for little hands and hearts, the benefits of music in early years, and a list of popular songs for kids to get you started.
Why Playing Ukulele is Great for Kids
From our experience of teaching, the ukulele now seems to have taken over from the recorder - tuning up thirty ukuleles is not so great for us teachers, but it’s worth it! As a first instrument to learn in classrooms it really does stand out among instruments as an excellent choice for young children. Here’s why:
1. Perfect Size for Small Hands With its lightweight frame and compact size, the ukulele is an ideal fit for young learners. Unlike a guitar, which can be unwieldy for little arms, the ukulele allows kids to comfortably reach and strum.
2. Easy to Learn The ukulele’s four nylon strings are softer and more manageable than steel guitar strings, making it gentler on tiny fingers. Basic chords like C, G, F, and Am are simple enough for children to pick up quickly, building their confidence as they learn to play real songs almost immediately.
3. Encourages Musical Growth Learning the ukulele is a gateway to broader musical understanding. As kids grasp rhythm, melody, and chords, they’re building foundational skills that transfer to other instruments and musical activities.
4. Boosts Creativity and Confidence There’s nothing like the pride of playing a song - even a simple one! Kids who learn the ukulele feel a sense of accomplishment, fostering self-esteem and encouraging creative expression.
5. Affordable and Accessible Ukuleles are among the most budget-friendly instruments, meaning families can get started without a major investment. Plus, there’s a wealth of free tutorials and song sheets available online.
The Power of Music in Early Childhood
Music is more than entertainment; it’s a vital part of childhood development. Studies show that music stimulates brain development in areas like language, memory, and emotional intelligence. Here’s why simple songs and rhymes are so effective:
1. Repetition Reinforces Learning Repetitive rhymes and songs help children internalize language patterns, develop memory skills, and build vocabulary. Singing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ or ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ while strumming the ukulele makes learning fun and engaging.
2. Supports Emotional Well-Being Music creates joy and connection. Singing and playing together strengthens bonds between children and caregivers, reducing stress and fostering emotional security.
3. Improves Motor Skills Strumming the ukulele and forming chords require fine motor control and hand-eye coordination. These physical skills are crucial for early development.
4. Encourages Social Interaction Singing in groups or playing ukuleles together teaches kids teamwork and listening skills. Music becomes a shared experience that helps children learn to collaborate and connect with others.
Easy Songs for Kids to Learn
Ready to get started? Here are some simple, well-loved children’s songs perfect for the ukulele. These tunes feature repetitive lyrics and basic chords, making them ideal for beginners:
1. ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’
‘Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star’ A timeless lullaby that’s easy to strum and sing along with.
‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’ The repetitive melody is perfect for reinforcing rhythm and timing.
‘The Wheels On The Bus’ Ideal for group sing-alongs, complete with fun hand motions.
‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’ A lively song that gets kids clapping, stomping, and playing along!
More Popular Songs for Kids
Ukulele Teaching Tips
• Start with Single-Chord Songs - Begin with songs that use only one chord, like ‘Are You Sleeping?’ Use the single chord ‘C’ or ‘G’ all the way through to build confidence:
‘Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John
Morning bells are ringing, morning bells are ringing
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong’
• Use Color-Coded Stickers - Place stickers on the fretboard to help kids remember where to place their fingers.
• Keep Sessions Short and Fun - Children have short attention spans, so aim for 10 - 15 minutes of playtime to keep it enjoyable.
• Sing Along Together - Singing boosts enthusiasm and helps kids keep time with their strumming.
The Magic of Music
Introducing kids to the ukulele opens a world of musical joy, creativity, and learning. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, helping children discover the magic of simple songs on this little instrument is a gift that lasts a lifetime. So grab a ukulele, strum a chord, and let the music begin!
What are your favorite ukulele songs to play with kids? Share your go-to tunes and tips in the comments below!
Happy Strumming 😊
Discover more amazing and easy to play ukulele songs
Ukulele Song List
Try out our expert tips and fun practice techniques.
