As the school year winds down and summer break draws near, it’s no secret that energy levels—for both students and teachers—can run a little low. The final weeks can feel like a marathon, and as music teachers, you’re juggling concerts, grading, classroom management, and trying to keep your students engaged until the very last bell. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it alone either.
This blog post is here to help you make it to the finish line with joy, creativity, and a little less stress. I’ve curated a list of fun, meaningful, and easy-to-integrate songs that can breathe new life into your lesson plans during these final weeks. Whether you need a calming moment, a burst of energy, or a reflective sendoff, there’s something here for every classroom. Let’s end the year on a high note—literally!
1- A Song to Get Their Wiggles Out: Whatcha Gonna Do?
Why it works:
Energetic movement song that invites physical movement.
Promotes creativity and student-led action ideas.
Helps release excess energy in a structured but flexible way.
💡 Implementation Idea:
Get your wiggles out by dancing and having fun to the tune of this energetic active movement song! Some extension ideas: Pause the song after each “Whatcha gonna do?” line and invite students to shout or act out their own movement ideas (e.g., jump, wiggle, stomp). You can also make a game out of copying each other's movements!
2- A Song for a Movement or Brain Break: Move to the Beat
Why it works:
Upbeat and repetitive, making it ideal for a short, energizing break.
Encourages full-body movement without requiring additional materials.
Helps students reset and refocus.
💡 Implementation Idea:
Use Move To The Beat as a flexible brain break that works whether students are seated or standing. Invite the class to move their shoulders, tap, clap, snap, or march in place to the beat—no big movements required! Encourage students to follow the movements along with the song, then invite students to come up with their own movements or rhythms for the class to follow. This activity re-energizes the body and focuses the mind, making it perfect after long stretches of sitting or during transitions.
3- A Song That Can Be Used with Instruments: Shake-A My Egg
Why it works:
Simple, repetitive lyrics make it easy for kids to follow.
Perfect for rhythm instruments like egg shakers, maracas, or tambourines.
Encourages movement, listening skills, and body awareness.
Low prep: just grab some shakers and hit play!
💡 Implementation Idea: Hand out egg shakers (or any small percussion instrument) and guide students to shake high, low, fast, and slow along with the song. Add a fun twist by pausing the music for freeze moments, or have kids echo your shaking patterns. Want an even easier setup? Play the song and let the students explore on their own or play the video and ask students to follow along—it’s engaging enough to lead itself!
4- An Energetic Movement Song with a Crafty Twist: Busy Like a Bee
Why it works:
High-energy song that encourages gross motor movement and imaginative play.
Builds body awareness, coordination, and listening skills.
Adds a fun, hands-on craft that extends the pretend play.
💡 Implementation Idea: Before or after singing Busy Like a Bee, have kids create their own bee antennae headbands using pipe cleaners, paper, and a strip of cardstock. Once everyone is buzzing with their new look, turn on the song and invite them to fly, wiggle, and “pollinate” around the room like busy bees. A great activity for getting the wiggles out while engaging in themed creative play!
5- A Song That Can Be Used With A Book Or As A Movement Activity: Watermelon, Watermelon
Why it works:
Perfect for reinforcing rhythm, early literacy, and sequencing skills through simple, engaging lyrics.
Engages multiple senses—sight, sound, and imagination—with vivid, food-based imagery.
Pairs beautifully with literacy by connecting to the illustrated book Watermelon, Watermelon.
💡 Implementation Idea: Start by reading the Watermelon, Watermelon book (ebook version here) to introduce the story and lyrics in a visual, storybook format. Then, sing the song together and invite kids to move or play along to the beat. For added rhythm practice or to add a movement activity component, use the Watermelon, Watermelon Rhythm Play-Along video on our YouTube channel! You can incorporate body percussion, simple instruments (like rhythm sticks), or even pretend to “chop” and “eat” watermelon slices in time with the music. A delightful way to combine music, movement, and early literacy! 🍉
6- A Song to Pair with an Art Activity: Skating
Why it works:
Inspires imaginative play with movement-based lyrics.
Though it’s a winter-themed song, kids can “skate” anytime—just swap in pretend rollerblades!
Connects music with creative expression through drawing and crafting.
💡 Implementation Idea: After singing Skating, invite students to decorate a paper plate “skate” using markers, stickers, or collage materials. Once their skates are ready, kids can stand on them (or hold them up) while pretending to glide across the room on their imaginary blades. This simple craft encourages creativity while reinforcing the rhythm and movement of the song—perfect for year-round fun, indoors or out!
7- A Song You Can Use With Props: Swirly Whirly Scarves
Why it works:
Designed specifically for movement with scarves or ribbons.
Focuses on swirling, twirling, and floating motions.
Encourages spatial awareness and fine motor skills.
💡 Implementation Idea:
Give each student a scarf and guide them through movement prompts like big swirls, fast twirls, or gentle waves. Use colored lights or a projected background to enhance the sensory experience.
8- A song to celebrate the end of the year with silliness and connection: Get Outta Here!
Why it works:
Playful melody with humorous lyrics creates a lighthearted, joyful tone.
Perfect for ending sessions, classes, or activities with laughter and closure.
Validates children's emotions while encouraging self-expression and confidence.
A song to celebrate the end of the year with silliness and connection—helping kids say goodbye in a fun, emotionally safe way.
💡 Implementation Idea: Use this song at the end of group time, sessions, or on the last day of school to signal it’s time to go in a silly, engaging way. Pair with funny actions like exaggerated walking, silly faces, or a “get outta here” dance. For extra fun, use a prop like a microphone or a goofy hat to “perform” the goodbye with each child or group.
Lyrics:
C G
Bam! Scram! Alacazam! <CLAP> It’s time to go, so we’ll say
C G
Flee! Fly! We’re saying goodbye! <CLAP> It’s time to go, so we’ll
F C G C
See you later alligator, thanks for being here
F C G C
See you later alligator, get outta here!
G
You might have a little hunch that I will miss you SO MUCH
You might have a little hunch that I’ll miss you a BUNCH
But...
C G
Bam! Scram! Alacazam! <CLAP> It’s time to go, so we’ll say
C G
Flee! Fly! We’re saying goodbye! <CLAP> It’s time to go, so we’ll
F C G C
See you later alligator, thanks for being here
F C G C
See you later alligator, get outta here!
9- A Song For Breathing: A Gentle Wave
Why it works:
Soft melody with ocean imagery creates a calming atmosphere.
Ideal for transitions, mindfulness practice, or end-of-day routines.
Encourages deep breathing and emotional regulation.
💡 Implementation Idea:
Lead students through a guided breathing exercise: inhale as the "wave" comes in, exhale as it goes out. Pair with a canopy scarf (my favorite prop!) or visuals of waves or calming ocean scenes. Optional: use a pinwheel or feather for a visual cue during breathing.
As you wrap up the year, remember that it’s okay to keep things simple—and that meaningful learning can still happen through play, music, and creativity. These songs are designed to take some of the stress out of planning while still giving your students joyful, engaging experiences they’ll remember.
Whether you’re using instruments, crafting paper skates, buzzing like bees, or just soaking up one last storytime, these moments matter. You’re giving your students connection, fun, and a sense of closure—and that’s powerful.
Hang in there, and thank you for the incredible work you do. You've made it this far—now let's finish strong, with music leading the way. 🎶💛
