Sing Along! Classic American Songs Kids Still Love

American children grow up with a wide variety of fun and engaging songs. Some include dances, some have silly words, and others are simply joyful to sing. These songs are often used in schools, homes, and birthday parties to bring children together and make learning English enjoyable.

One of the most well-known songs is Happy Birthday. Americans of all ages sing it during birthday celebrations, usually while presenting a cake with candles. After the song, the birthday boy or girl makes a wish and blows out the candles. The lyrics go:

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear [the person’s name]
Happy Birthday to you

Another favorite with children is Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. This energetic song gets kids moving as they touch the named body parts during each verse. It becomes even more fun when sung faster and faster!

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes!
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes!
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes!

I’m a Little Teapot is a charming song where children act out the parts of a teapot. One arm becomes the handle, and the other becomes the spout as they sing:

I’m a little teapot, short and stout
Here is my handle and here is my spout
When I get all steamed up hear my shout
Tip me over and pour me out!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider is a sweet fingerplay song. Children use their hands to mimic the spider climbing, rain falling, and sunshine returning. The song teaches rhythm, movement, and repetition:

The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain.
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again

If You’re Happy and You Know It is a feel-good song that gets children clapping, stomping, nodding, and smiling. It’s a great way to encourage emotional expression:

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.

If you’re happy and you know it stamp your feet…
If you’re happy and you know it nod your head…

These songs do more than entertain—they support language learning, rhythm, listening skills, and coordination. They’re also a great way for parents and children to connect while learning English together.

Try English for kids by Dinolingo
Dinolingo helps children learn English through music, stories, games, videos, and interactive activities that make learning fun and effective.

Follow us on Instagram @Dinolingo for more tips and fun language content!