How Animal Songs Build Vocabulary in Preschoolers
- janerine
- Jan 4
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
A parent-guided, research-backed approach to joyful early learning |
Introduction: Why Animal Songs Stick With Children
I still recall the first time my smallest child confidently yelled, "Cow says moo!" in the midst of the grocery store. Everyone was happy. I thought it was funny. But inside, I felt something deeper a mix of pride and awe. That moment didn’t come from flashcards or drills. It came from music.
As a former early childhood educator, a children’s content creator, and a mom of three, I’ve seen firsthand how animal songs unlock language in ways nothing else quite can. Long before toddlers can hold a conversation, they hum melodies, mimic animal sounds, and repeat playful rhythms. That’s where language begins — not with pressure, but with joy.
In this article, we’ll explore why animal songs are so powerful for preschoolers, how they support vocabulary development, and how you can use them intentionally at home or in the classroom. I’ll also share real-life observations from my years working with young children and creating educational music through Kids Songs Learning Hub.
If you’ve ever wondered why children remember animal songs so easily — or how to use them more purposefully — this guide is for you.
Why Animal Songs Are Perfect for Preschoolers
Animal songs combine movement, sound, emotion, and imagination — the four pillars of early childhood learning.
From my experience as a educator, working with toddlers and preschoolers, animal-themed songs often get the strongest reactions. Children light up. They roar, stomp, flap, and giggle. That emotional engagement is key to learning.
Why they work so well:
Animals are familiar and comforting
Sounds are fun to imitate
Movements support physical learning
Stories activate imagination and memory
Research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child shows that children learn best when multiple senses are engaged at once — sound, movement, emotion, and interaction all working together.
👉 That’s exactly what animal songs do.
The Science Behind Music and Language Development
Music and language share overlapping neural pathways. When children sing, they aren’t just entertaining themselves — they’re strengthening the very parts of the brain responsible for communication.
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), music helps children:
Recognize speech patterns
Improve phonological awareness
Develop listening and attention skills
Strengthen memory
When toddlers sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”, they’re learning:
Animal names
Sound associations
Turn-taking
Rhythm and pacing
And all of this happens naturally, without pressure.
How Animal Songs Build Vocabulary Step by Step
1. Repetition Builds Memory
Children learn best through repetition — and animal songs repeat naturally.
Think about:
“Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O…”
The structure invites repetition, helping toddlers store new words in long-term memory.
2. Sounds Come Before Words
"Woof" is often one of the first words that kids say before they can say "dog." Animal noises are a way for people to get used to real words.
In my experience, a lot of late talkers start making animal sounds with confidence before they learn how to talk.
3. Movement Anchors Language
Songs that include movement — hopping like a frog or flapping like a bird — help children connect words with physical experiences.
This is supported by embodied cognition research, which shows that movement strengthens memory and comprehension.
4. Emotional Safety Encourages Expression
Music alleviates stress. There is no definitive "right" or "wrong" – only research. I have observed shy children discover their vocal expression through singing prior to engaging in spoken communication.
Real-Life Example: How Music Transforms Learning
One preschooler in my class barely spoke during circle time. But when we sang “The Animal Action Song,” she suddenly roared like a lion loudly and proudly.
That moment changed everything.
Soon, she began using words during play. Her confidence grew because music gave her a safe entry point into language.
How Parents Can Use Animal Songs at Home
You do not need a special instruments or training, just the will to do it.
1. Sing During Daily Routines
Bath time → “Five Little Ducks”
Clean-up time → “The Animals on the Farm”
Car rides → Animal guessing songs
2. Add Movement
Encourage hopping, crawling, or clapping to match animals.
3. Repeat Favorites
Repetition builds confidence and mastery.
4. Follow Your Child’s Lead
If your child loves lions, lean into lion songs!
Printable Activity: “My Animal Sound Book”
This printable reinforces vocabulary through creativity and repetition.
What’s Included:
6 printable animal pages
Space to color each animal
A word + sound prompt (e.g., “Cow says moo”)
A parent prompt: “Can you make the sound?”
How to Use:
Print and staple the pages.
Read one page per day.
Sing the matching animal song.
Let your child “read” it back to you.
Why Original Songs Matter
I compose creative songs such as "Zoomy the Magic Bus" at Kids Songs Learning Hub, as kids learn more effectively when they can connect with the characters.
Original songs:
Build emotional attachment
Reinforce consistent vocabulary
Support imaginative play
Kids usually learn more quickly when they have an emotional bond with the characters that are teaching them.
External Research That Supports Music Learning
Here are trusted sources supporting music-based learning:
Harvard Center on the Developing Child
Zero to Three – Early Learning Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
These groups always say that music is a great way for young children to learn.
Common Questions Parents Ask
What age should children start listening to animal songs?
As early as infancy. Babies respond to rhythm and melody long before speech develops.
How often should we use music?
Every day, even if it's just for a little time. Five minutes of singing can have a bigger effect than 30 minutes of watching TV.
What if my child doesn’t sing along?
That’s okay. Listening is learning. Participation comes in stages.
How to Use Animal Songs in Class as a Teacher
Educators use animal songs for:
Morning circle
Transitions
Language development
Classroom management
Group singing builds connection and confidence — especially for shy learners.
Final Thoughts: Why Animal Songs Matter
Animal songs are more than just a fun thing to do. They are a strong way to build language, confidence, and connection.
I've learned this truth from all the years I've taught kids and made songs for them:
Children don’t just learn through songs — they grow through them.
Whether at home or in the classroom, music opens doors that words alone cannot.
🎵 Explore a lot More from Kids Songs Learning Hub
Printable Learning Activities
Disclaimer
This article is more for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or developmental advice.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or development, please consult a qualified pediatrician or speech-language pathologist.
About the Author
Janerine Watson is a children’s content creator, early childhood educator, and founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub. With years of hands-on classroom experience and a passion for music-based learning, she creates joyful educational resources that help children grow through rhythm, play, and connection.
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