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), I’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. “Better When I’m Dancin’” by Meghan Trainor
Lyrics to Love: Show the world you’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. It’s perfect for boosting confidence and reminding students that this school year is all about having fun!
2. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
Lyrics to Love: 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 Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is the ultimate feel-good song that’ll get your students smiling, moving, and grooving. It’s an excellent pick for a quick mood boost or a fun brain break.
3. “Good Time” by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
Lyrics to Love: It’s always a good time / Whoa-oh-oh-oh / We don’t even have to try / It’s always a good time
Start the day with “Good Time” 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. “Unstoppable” by Sia
Lyrics to Love: I’m unstoppable / I’m a Porsche with no brakes / I’m invincible / Yeah, I win every single game
Empower your students with Sia’s “Unstoppable.” 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: 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 “Hall of Fame.” 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.
6. “Try” by Colbie Caillat
Lyrics to Love: You don’t have to try so hard / You don’t have to give it all away / You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up / You don’t have to change a single thing
Colbie Caillat’s “Try” is a beautiful song about self-acceptance and being true to yourself. It’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: This is my fight song / Take back my life song / Prove I’m alright song
Fuel your students’ spirits with “Fight Song,” 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: 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 “try everything” attitude with Shakira’s catchy tune from Zootopia. It’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
“High Hopes” 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: Every night I lie in bed / The brightest colors fill my head / A million dreams are keeping me awake
“A Million Dreams” 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, let’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? Don’t hesitate to ask for student input and explore other kid-friendly options like Kidz Bop!
ACTIONABLE STEPS: 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 let’s keep the hits going!
