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Few American students know by memory traditional songs like Mary Had A Little Lamb, The Farmer In The Dell, and Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Yet listeners–kids and adults—need a well-rounded diet which includes the folksongs of their American heritage, something of lasting value, in addition to the top 40.

So concludes Dr. Marilyn Ward of the University of Florida who in 2003 researched the extent to which American children’s folksongs are taught by general music teachers. She first asked Americans over age 62 to list songs they learned as children growing up in America between 50 and 100 years ago. The result was a representative list of 100 children’s songs that included If You’re Happy And You Know It, Rock-a-Bye Baby, Old MacDonald, The Muffin Man, She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Silent Night, and The Star-Spangled Banner.

“The emotional and attitudinal power of these little songs cannot be underestimated in the lives of our children,” Dr. Ward writes. “Children need the associations and bonds of these little kids’ songs.” Researchers believe that these songs are an important part of childhood. Without the connections and bonds so effortlessly created by these little kids’ songs, children may grow up less connected to others in their communities and nation. Removing these songs and replacing them with popular music will tear away much of the innocence and carefree nature so wonderfully characteristic of childhood.This will set up children for emotional problems later in life.

What can parents do to help?

Sing these songs with your children. More than 60% of the songs recommended by Dr. Ward are found on music resources from Twin Sisters Productions! Play, sing, dance, and laugh together throughout the day! Play and sing during car trips. Make a family singing list—songs the entire family will learn each month, season, or year.We recommend:

102 Children’s Songs (Twin 836CD)

102 CampSongs (Twin 943CD)

102 Bible Songs (Twin 941CD)

Celebrate America (Twin 150CD)

Nursery Rhymes (Twin 115CD)

Share the song list—or music CDs—with your kids’ preschool and elementary classroom and general music teachers.Veteran music teachers may be more likely to value and teach these songs.Younger teachers may need your help and encouragement; ask what songs are being taught!

To read Dr. Ward’s dissertation visit www.neflin.org/marilyn/folksongsurvey

100 Songs Every Kid Should Know

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