Laptime Songs

Nursery Rhymes, Songs, and Fingerplays for Kids

The Good Morning Train

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The Good Morning Train

(Tune: “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountains“)

The Good Morning Train is coming
How are you? Choo! Choo!

The Good Morning Train is coming
How are you? Choo! Choo!

The Good Morning Train is coming
The Good Morning Train is coming
The Good Morning Train is coming
How are you? Choo! Choo!

Let’s say Hello to (Child’s name)
How are you? Choo! Choo!

Let’s say Hello to (Child’s name)
How are you? Choo! Choo!

Let’s say Hello to (Child’s name)
Let’s say Hello to (Child’s name)
Let’s say Hello to (Child’s name)
How are you? Choo! Choo!

Hello, Friends!

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Hello, Friends!

Hello, Friends
Hello, Friends
Hello, Friends
We’re glad you came today!

This song can also be adapted to introduce each child to the group. Replace “Friends” with a child’s name. Wave at the child during the lines where the name is said. For the last line, clap in rhythm.

My Friends Are Here Today

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My Friends Are Here Today

(Tune: “The Farmer in the Dell”)

My friends are here today
My friends are here today
Let’s give a cheer
Let’s give a cheer
My friends are here today!

This song can also be adapted to introduce each child to the group. Replace “My friends” with a child’s name. Wave at the child during the first two lines. Fist pump in the air for the next two lines. Finish by waving again or clapping the rhythm. Be sure to cheer loudly at the end with lots of claps.

*Child’s name is here today
*Child’s name is here today
Let’s give a cheer
Let’s give a cheer
“Cause *Child’s name is here today!

Bend and Stretch

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Bend and Stretch

Bend and stretch, reach for the stars (arms up)
There goes Jupiter, here comes Mars (move arms side to side)
Bend and stretch, reach for the sky
Stand on tip-toes, oh so high! (stand on toes)

Source: Storytime Katie

Find more Outer Space rhymes:

Welcome Song

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Welcome Song

(Tune: “Frere Jacques“)

Where is Ellie?*
Where is Ellie?
There she is!
There she is!
We’re so glad to see you.
We’re so glad to see you.
Peek-a-boo. Peek-a-boo.

*Substitute each child’s name in turn and adjust he-she pronoun to fit.

Download this instrumental version of Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?) to listen and practice offline.

Big Books, Little Books

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Big Books, Little Books

Big books,
Little books,
Short books,
Tall

Fat books,
Skinny books,
I love them all!

Actions for Big Books, Little Books

Big books, (hold arms out wide)
Little books, (bring hands in close together, palms facing, hands upright)
Short books, (keep hands close together and palms facing but change so hands are one on top of the other)
Tall (stretch top hand up high in the sky)

Fat books, (hold arms in a big circle)
Skinny books, (bring hands close together again, this time wiggling fingers)
I love them all! (wrap arms around yourself in a hug)

Big Books, Little Books is a great welcome rhyme to begin a laptime or storytime program. It’s easy for parents and caregivers to move a babies arms or help a toddler do the actions.

Find more Welcome rhymes

We’re Glad You’re Here Today

Open Them, Shut Them

Welcome Song: We’re Glad You’re Here Today

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We’re Glad You’re Here Today

{Child’s Name} will you stand up
And let us see your smile?
We’re glad you’re here today
Won’t you stay awhile!

This is great for a small group where you know everyone’s name. Everyone sits in a circle so each person’s face is visible to the rest of the group. It works best for children who are not shy or scared to be recognized in a group. With children who are familiar with each other, they often stand up and run around the outside of the circle to show their smile.