Singing alphabet songs is an easy, and very fun, way to increase kids’ alphabetical awareness. I am very partial to Dr. Jean, Jack Hartmann, and They Might Be Giants (among many other amazing artists). In addition to their songs, I found a variety of other alphabet-related music for your (kids’) enjoyment! Get the kiddos dancing and singing as they’re learning about letters!
Why are alphabet songs important to the letter learning process? Well, I’m glad you asked! 🙂
The most important reason is that they are a FUN way to reinforce letter names, alphabetical order, letter sounds, etc. Children love to sing and dance, so why not run with that love of music when teaching letters?!
Many of these songs incorporate physical movements, as well as being fun songs. Children learn in many different ways, and movement is part of that.
It gets their bodies moving, given them a different memory to associate with letters. It also makes it a little different, and people inherently remember unique experiences. Now, onto the “alphabet playlist”!
Alphabet Songs for Preschool and Kindergarten
I’ve done my best to link directly to each song. If that wasn’t possible, then I linked to the album.
Dr. Jean “Better Bodies and Brains 1 & 2”
- ABC Kick Box
- Letter Pops
- Cheering Letters
Dr. Jean “Keep on Singing and Dancing with Dr. Jean”
- Alphabet Forwards and Backwards
Dr. Jean “Kiss Your Brain!”
- Who Let the Letters Out
- Letter Aerobics
- The Alphabet’s in My Mouth
- Vowel Cheer
Dr. Jean “Sing to Learn”
- Alphardy
You can find Dr. Jean’s site here. It has a ton of music, as well as an amazing amount of ideas for teaching young children.
Jack Hartmann “Shake, Rattle, and Read”
- ABC Disco
- Learning Letter Sounds
- Vowel Sound Samba
Jack Hartmann “Language Play and Listening Fun”
- Hands Up for Letter Sounds
Jack Hartman “Hip-Hop Alphabet, Vol. 2”
- Move to the Alphabet
Jack Hartmann’s site is here, if you’re looking for all of his albums in one spot.
The Johnny Cash Children’s Album
They Might Be Giants “Here Come the ABCs”
Justin Roberts “Great Big Sun”
The RTTs “Turn it Up, Mommy”
Milkshake “Bottle of Sunshine”
Kermit and Ladysmith Black Mambazo “Sesame Street: Songs from the Street, Vol. 3”
- African Alphabet
Kim Mitzo Thompson “My First Playlist: Alphabet (Bb Ball)”
Doc Possum “Pouch Music”
James K “Good Morning Sun Goodnight Moon”
Monty Harper “Imagine That”
Cathy Fink “When The Rain Comes Down”
Johnny Bregar “Stomp Yer Feet!!”
Beth and Scott “Learn and Play”
Baby Loves Jazz “Go Baby Go”
Nancy Kopman “The Backwards Alphabet”
You can read more about her awesome music on her website. Check out the song here, too:
What are your favorite kids’ alphabet songs? I’d love to add some more to this list, so please be sure to share them in the comments below! 🙂 There are a ton of additional literacy ideas on my Balanced Literacy Pinterest board, too.
More Alphabet Fun for the Kids
These alphabet mats are perfect for young kids to use as they explore their ABCs. The mats can be laminated and used with play dough, dry erase markers, etc. They’re also a great base for a wide variety of art, craft, and literacy projects. This 150+ page pack comes with printable letter mats, ideas for using the mats, process art ideas, and collage/texture art ideas.
Available at: Preschool Teacher 101 | Home Preschool 101 | Teachers Pay Teachers
Laura says
July 18, 2013 at 7:20 pmSigning Time! also has a video and cd with ABC songs. One is called A is for Alex and alligator and LMNO. Here is a link to one of the songs: http://vimeo.com/8078839
Mary Catherine says
July 19, 2013 at 8:12 amThanks for the song suggestions, Laura! I love the inclusion of signing the alphabet. I need to add that to my ABC songs later on today! 🙂
Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says
July 18, 2013 at 9:07 pmGreat resource! Thanks for compiling and sharing these!
Mary Catherine says
July 19, 2013 at 8:11 amThanks, Ann! I had fun going through my playlists and picking out songs just for the alphabet. I played all of the songs for Little Hurricane and he got such a kick out of them! 🙂
Varya @ CWOV says
July 22, 2013 at 9:16 amWonderful resource indeed!
Mary Catherine says
July 22, 2013 at 1:33 pmThank you so much, Varya!
Deceptively Educational says
July 28, 2013 at 10:15 amWhat a list!! I love this. Music is such a powerful way to learn and has been so effective in reinforcing concepts with my kids. Thanks for pulling this together. I’m featuring this post on the After School Linky Party this week. Stop by to check it out and share more of your great ideas and activities!
Mary Catherine says
July 29, 2013 at 3:23 pmThank you very much!! I had fun gathering the songs, and I know I’m going to keep that playlist handy when the new school year starts. I’m excited about the feature — thank you. 🙂
Marlene says
August 23, 2013 at 2:14 pmwhere can you find all of these- pandora? or purchase?
Mary Catherine says
August 23, 2013 at 2:28 pmHi Marlene! For most of the songs, the links should lead to where you can purchase the songs if you want to. I’ve picked some up from iTunes, Amazon, teacher supply stores, Barnes and Noble, and through individual artists’ sites. Just depends on your preference! 🙂
Stephanie Chambers says
November 10, 2016 at 6:14 amJonathon Lithgow has a children’s cd called “Singing on the Bathtub.” It is highly underrated but we really enjoy it. He does a version of “A – you’re Adorable” that is my favorite alphabet song. We do like the they Might be Giants CDs, too.
Mary Catherine says
November 15, 2016 at 3:12 pmHow have I not listed to “Singing in the Bathtub” yet? Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂