The 22 Best Preschool Songs for Rest Time

Soothing, calming songs to settle your preschoolers right down.

The chance to relax and recharge is a key part of the day for many preschoolers—and their teachers! Many teachers play lullabies and other favorite preschool songs as their students settle into their resting spots. Playing the same tracks each day creates a soothing routine and has a Pavlovian effect to cue children to wind down.

Teachers who play music for the duration of their rest times often find instrumental music to be best for helping children to stay calm. After all, singing along is not encouraged.

What are the best preschool songs for rest time? We picked the brains of veteran teachers to compile this handy list for you.

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1. “Return to Pooh Corner” from Return to Pooh Corner by Kenny Loggins.

preschool songs

2. “The Rainbow Connection” by Sarah McLachlan from For The Kids by Various artists

preschool songs

3. “Peace Like a River” from You Are My Little Bird by Elizabeth Mitchell

preschool songs

4. “Rest Awhile” from Wiggle Wiggle and Other Exercises by The Bobby Susser Singers

preschool songs

5. “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” from Catch the Moon by Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell

preschool songs

6. “Lullaby” from Lullaby by Justin Roberts

preschool songs

7. “Stay Awake” by Julie Andrews from Mary Poppins Original Soundtrack by Various artists

preschool songs

8. “Oyasumi” from La La La by Priscilla Ahn

preschool songs

9. “Over the Rainbow” from Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Best of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

preschool songs

10. “Pillowland” from Laurie Berkner Lullabies by The Laurie Berkner Band

Bonus: This song is now a beautiful picture book, too!

11. “Lullaby” by Jack Johnson featuring Matt Costa from Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For the Film Curious George by Jack Johnson and Friends

12. Dreamland: World Lullabies and Soothing Songs by Various artists

13. Bedtime Mozart: Classical Lullabies for Babies by Classical Lullabies

14. Putumayo Kids Celtic Dreamland by Various artists

15. A Day Without Rain by Enya

16. Brahms’ Lullaby and Other Classical Music for Children by Various artists

17. Classical Naptime for Tots by Various artists

18. Seagulls: Music for Rest and Relaxation by Hap Palmer

19. Gregorian Chants by The Monks of Glenstal Abbey

20. Children’s Lullaby Radio on Pandora

21. Rock-a-Bye-Baby Radio on Pandora

22. Weightless by Marconi Union

And finally, if all else fails, you can turn to an effort from Mindlab International to create the “world’s most relaxing song.” “Weightless,” by the British ambient band Marconi Union, purportedly has specific features that produce a calm-inducing effect in listeners. (In case you find it so soothing that you want to listen to it at home all night long, there’s also a ten-hour version.)

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