You want to bring music into your classroom, but you don't have time to learn complex chords. These five resources make it easy to strum, sing, and connect with your students.
The Growing Demand for Music in Early Education
Early childhood educators are increasingly expected to integrate music into daily routines. Research shows that music supports language development, social-emotional learning, and classroom management. But many teachers lack formal music training. That's where ukulele songbooks come in. They offer simple, accessible arrangements that anyone can play. The market has responded with a range of options, from free online resources to printed books. Each caters to different needs and skill levels.
How We Evaluated These Resources
We looked at five key factors. First, song selection: does it include classic circle time songs? Second, chord simplicity: are the songs playable with 2-3 chords? Third, supporting materials: are there video demos, chord charts, or teaching tips? Fourth, format: is it digital, print, or both? Fifth, price and value: is it affordable for teachers? Each resource stood out in different ways. Teacher Ana's Corner excels in video integration and teacher-focused design. Bernadette Teaches Music offers a budget-friendly PDF. Approachable Music provides a free, key-of-C collection. Storytime Ukulele is a free blog with a wide song index. Kala Brand Music Co. delivers a professionally published book for kids. No single resource is perfect for everyone, but each has strengths that make it worth considering.
Here's a quick comparison of the five resources. Use this table to see which one fits your teaching style and budget.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Bernadette Teaches Music | Budget-conscious teachers who want a printable PDF |
| The Early Years Ukulele Songbook · Teacher Ana's Corner | Teachers who want video support and a teacher-specific approach |
| Approachable Music | Teachers on a tight budget who want a free, key-of-C collection |
| Storytime Ukulele | Teachers who want a free, searchable online song index |
| Kala Brand Music Co. | Teachers who prefer a printed book with extra learning tools |
A Closer Look at Each Resource
#1 Bernadette Teaches Music
A screenshot of the Bernadette Teaches Music website.
Bernadette Teaches Music offers a printable PDF songbook titled '20 Easy Songs for Kids to Sing, Strum & Play.' It includes 20 classic children's songs with easy ukulele chords, lyrics, and large-print notation. The songbook is designed for teachers, parents, and beginners. It features chord charts for quick reference and a table of contents for easy navigation. At just $5, it's an affordable option for educators. You can purchase and download it instantly from their website.
#2 The Early Years Ukulele Songbook · Teacher Ana's Corner
A screenshot of the Teacher Ana's Corner website.
Teacher Ana's Corner is a dedicated resource for early childhood educators. The Early Years Ukulele Songbook features 17 songs, each using only 2-3 chords. Every page includes a QR code that links to a video demo, so you can see and hear how to play. The songbook also comes with a free starter pack that covers the four magic chords, posture, and strumming patterns. Created by Teacher Ana, it's designed for teachers who want to bring music into their classroom without prior experience. The focus is on energy, joy, and connection, not perfection.
#3 Approachable Music
A screenshot of the Approachable Music website.
Approachable Music offers a free PDF of children's songs arranged in the key of C. This makes it easy to play along without worrying about complex chord changes. The collection includes a variety of classic kids' songs, all with simple chords. It's designed for teachers, parents, and caregivers. The PDF is printable and can be used in music classes or at home. While it doesn't include video demos, it's a solid free resource for beginners.
#4 Storytime Ukulele
Storytime Ukulele is a blog that provides simple chords for children's songs. It features a subject index and an A-Z song index, making it easy to find specific tunes. The arrangements are straightforward and suitable for storytime or circle time. While it's not a structured songbook, it's a valuable free resource for teachers who want to expand their repertoire. The blog includes songs like 'I Love the Mountains' and 'I Love You Baby,' with chords and lyrics.
#5 Kala Brand Music Co.
A screenshot of the Kala Brand Music Co. website.
Kala Brand Music Co. publishes the 'Kids' Ukulele Songbook' by Emily Arrow. This printed book includes 30 songs for children, with a refresher on basic chords and guidance for playing. It also features songwriting templates, a practice chart, and cut-out chord cards. The book is designed for kids who already have a basic understanding of the ukulele, but teachers can use it as a resource. It's a professionally published option with a focus on children's musical development.
How to Choose the Right Songbook for Your Classroom
Start by assessing your own comfort level with the ukulele. If you're a complete beginner, look for resources with video demos and simple chord progressions. Teacher Ana's Corner and Bernadette Teaches Music both offer video support. Next, consider your budget. Free options like Approachable Music and Storytime Ukulele are great if you're just starting out. If you prefer a printed book, Kala Brand Music Co. offers a physical product. Think about the songs you want to teach. Do you need circle time classics or a wide variety? Check the song list. Finally, consider the format. Digital PDFs are portable and printable, while printed books are durable. Choose what fits your teaching style.
Automating Your Music Planning
You can streamline your music integration with a simple workflow. First, pick a songbook and download it. Next, create a playlist of the songs on your phone or classroom device. Use the QR codes in Teacher Ana's Corner to quickly access video demos. Then, schedule a short music session in your daily routine, like during transitions or circle time. Finally, use a simple lesson planner to note which songs you'll teach each week. This saves time and ensures you're consistently bringing music to your students.
The Bottom Line
Bringing music into your early childhood classroom doesn't have to be intimidating. The five resources here offer different paths to the same goal: joyful, musical moments with your students. Teacher Ana's Corner stands out for its teacher-focused design and video integration. Bernadette Teaches Music provides an affordable PDF. Approachable Music and Storytime Ukulele are excellent free options. Kala Brand Music Co. offers a polished printed book. Try one, or mix and match. Your students will benefit from the music, and you'll enjoy the connection.