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10 More Back to School Songs to Kick Off the Year with Positive Vibes

September 1, 2024 5 min read
classroom playlist for back to school

Hello, September! Setting a positive and welcoming atmosphere is key as we welcome students back into the classroom for another academic year. Music can work wonders in connecting with students, lifting spirits, and creating a joyful learning environment. To help you start the year on a high note (pun intended), Iโ€™ve compiled another list of popular, kid-friendly songs students will love. (Missed my first classroom playlist? Find the previous set of songs here.) Dive into these classroom-ready hits and make every day a celebration of learning!

1. โ€œBetter When Iโ€™m Dancinโ€™โ€ by Meghan Trainor

Lyrics to Love:ย Show the world youโ€™ve got that fire / Feel the rhythm getting louder / Show the world what you can do / Prove to them you got the moves

This upbeat and feel-good tune by Meghan Trainor will have your students up and dancing, shaking off any first-day jitters. Itโ€™s perfect for boosting confidence and reminding students that this school year is all about having fun!

2. โ€œCanโ€™t Stop the Feeling!โ€ by Justin Timberlake

Lyrics to Love:ย I got that sunshine in my pocket / Got that good soul in my feet / I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops

Justin Timberlakeโ€™s โ€œCanโ€™t Stop the Feeling!โ€ is the ultimate feel-good song thatโ€™ll get your students smiling, moving, and grooving. Itโ€™s an excellent pick for a quick mood boost or a fun brain break.

3. โ€œGood Timeโ€ by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

Lyrics to Love:ย Itโ€™s always a good time / Whoa-oh-oh-oh / We donโ€™t even have to try / Itโ€™s always a good time

Start the day with โ€œGood Timeโ€ to set a fun and carefree tone in your classroom. Be sure to add this catchy tune to your classroom playlist! It reminds everyone that a good time is all about the mindset, making it perfect for welcoming students into a new school year.

4. โ€œUnstoppableโ€ by Sia

Lyrics to Love:ย Iโ€™m unstoppable / Iโ€™m a Porsche with no brakes / Iโ€™m invincible / Yeah, I win every single game

Empower your students with Siaโ€™s โ€œUnstoppable.โ€ This song is about resilience, strength, and having a winning attitude. It’s great for motivating kids to tackle challenges head-on with confidence!

5. “Hall of Fame” by The Script ft. will.i.am

Lyrics to Love:ย You could be the greatest / You can be the best / You can be the King Kong banging on your chest

Inspire your students to reach for the stars with โ€œHall of Fame.โ€ This powerful anthem is a hit for encouraging kids to believe in themselves and their potential, reminding them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

back to school classroom playlist
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6. “Try” by Colbie Caillat

Lyrics to Love:ย You donโ€™t have to try so hard / You donโ€™t have to give it all away / You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up / You donโ€™t have to change a single thing

Colbie Caillatโ€™s โ€œTryโ€ is a beautiful song about self-acceptance and being true to yourself. Itโ€™s perfect for encouraging students to be authentic and to value themselves just as they are, without feeling the need to change to fit in. This song has a gentle melody and a powerful message sure to resonate with students and set a positive tone in your classroom!

7. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

Lyrics to Love:ย This is my fight song / Take back my life song / Prove I’m alright song

Fuel your studentsโ€™ spirits with โ€œFight Song,โ€ a powerful and motivational anthem by Rachel Platten. Its message of perseverance and self-belief makes it perfect for moments when your students need a little boost of confidence.

8. “Try Everything” by Shakira (from Zootopia)

Lyrics to Love:ย I won’t give up, no I won’t give in / Till I reach the end / And then I’ll start again / No, I won’t leave / I wanna try everything

Encourage your students to embrace a โ€œtry everythingโ€ attitude with Shakiraโ€™s catchy tune from Zootopia. Itโ€™s perfect for teaching persistence, embracing mistakes, and always giving your best effort in every situation. Add this song to your classroom playlist and remind students to try everything this new school year brings!

9. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco

Lyrics to Love: Had to have high, high hopes for a livin’ / Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killin’ / Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision / Always had high, high hopes

โ€œHigh Hopesโ€ by Panic! At The Disco is all about dreaming big and staying positive, no matter the odds. This song is an excellent choice for reinforcing a growth mindset and encouraging students to keep reaching for their dreams.

10. “A Million Dreams” by Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, and Michelle Williams (from The Greatest Showman)

Lyrics to Love:ย Every night I lie in bed / The brightest colors fill my head / A million dreams are keeping me awake

โ€œA Million Dreamsโ€ is a beautiful, inspiring song that encourages dreaming big and believing in endless possibilities. (It comes from the blockbuster hit, The Greatest Showman, a school-friendly movie.) The song is perfect for fostering creativity and optimism in your students, reminding them that they have the power to create their own future. This one fits well with the uplifting and motivational theme of this year’s playlist. It is guaranteed to keep the positive energy flowing in your classroom!

Kid Friendly Songs for Back to School

As the new school year unfolds, letโ€™s continue to fill our classrooms with the power of music and positivity! These clean, feel-good songs will not only entertain students but also inspire them to embrace each day with enthusiasm, kindness, and a zest for learning. Looking for even more inspiration? Donโ€™t hesitate to ask for student input and explore other kid-friendly options likeย Kidz Bop!

ACTIONABLE STEPS:ย Turn up the volume, press play, and watch as your classes embrace these uplifting tunes! What other songs would you add to your classroom playlist? Share your suggestions in the comments below, and letโ€™s keep the hits going!

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Crystal Mencia

Life, Love, & Lesson Plans with the Teaching Principal

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Hello, I'm Crystal! I have been a New Jersey educator for over a decade. Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to work in an array of settings, in multiple classrooms, in many subject areas, and with a variety of students. While I hold an administrator's certificate, I find myself called to serve hands-on in the classroom and designing curriculum. On a more personal note, I am passionate about my faith, family, and fitness! Welcome to my little piece of the internet. Read More

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