The Absolute Best Preschool Clean Up Song List With a Bonus
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I’m excited about this preschool clean up song list! Toddlers seem to have an uncanny ability to make a mess in about 3 seconds flat, even in the “tidiest” of homes. Honestly, they are like little human cyclones!
One of my son’s favorite activities is to literally just dump all his toys out of the box and then he just cracks up over it LOL. Any thing that can be dumped on the floor or even thrown across the room is fair game. And not to mention he wants to play with all his toys in different areas of the room.
For those of us who have that “spirited” child (if you have read The Happiest Toddler on the Block you know what I am referring to), these types of mess making situations can literally be multiplied by ten times the normal amount of toddler mess!
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But here is the issue that I’m sure we can probably all predict. It’s so fun for toddlers to create the mess, but when it comes to cleaning up, well that’s a problem. For me, constantly stepping over and stepping on toys everywhere is just not okay (well at least not all the time).
So I made sure to put a considerable effort into teaching my son how to pick up and put away his toys instead of just picking up after him everyday by on my own.
Finding a way to make cleaning up fun was probably one of the most effective ways to get my toddler to clean up. Most preschool aged children LOVE music, so I set out to find some of the best cleanup songs out there and my son loved them.
He did have a favorite that we eventually settled on, but you and your toddler are going to love this kids clean up song list. YouTube videos and lyrics are included!
Check out my son’s #1 favorite song below! I also included 7 other AWESOME tips and tricks to get your toddler cleaning up as well. Scroll down to check them out!
And side note: So, I LOOOOVE Pinterest!! Can’t say it enough. It’s how I do my research. If you love it too and are looking for even more kid’s playroom ideas, then check out my Pinterest board on Toddlers Tips!! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more ideas!
My Top 5 Preschool Clean up Song List
Song #5 – Tidy Up Song By Little Baby Bum
I am actually a big fan of Little Baby Bum. I actually discovered this series of videos and website when my son was just a little cute baby. Aww I almost miss those days.. almost… :). Little Baby Bum has a great collection of videos and a pretty cool clean up song. They also have potty songs and songs about brushing your teeth and hair as well.
The only caveat is that the song is better for your child to watch rather than sing in my opinion. I prefer the song to say “clean up” instead of “tidy up”. But I just had to include it on the list though.
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Lyrics
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
and tidy up some more
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
take your toys up off the floor
When things get messy
Gee up, gee up, gee up
Collect up all your toys
and tidy, tidy up
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
and tidy up some more
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
take your toys up off the floor
When things get messy
Gee up, gee up, gee up
Collect up all your toys
and tidy, tidy up
[Pick your toys and put them in a box,
put them on the shelves,
put them in their proper place]
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
and tidy up some more
Tidy, tidy, tidy up
take your toys up off the floor
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Song #4 – Barney Clean Up Song
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Many of us have fond memories of Barney the lovable dinosaur from our past. He may not be the current favorite of the kids today, but there is a reason why he was so popular. I just couldn’t have a cleanup song list without Barney himself! He’s a CLASSIC. It’s also a really clear and simple clean up song that I think most toddlers will thoroughly enjoy.
Lyrics
Now it’s time to put away
Everything that we took out.
When the room is nice and clean,
It makes us feel so proud.
We always clean-up, (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)
To show we really care.
We always clean-up, clean-up (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)
‘Cause we like to do our share.
After we have had our lunch,
and meal-time’s coming to an end.
We sure know it helps a bunch,
If we can all pitch-in.
We always clean-up, clean-up (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)
to show we really care.
We always clean-up, clean-up (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)
‘Cause we like to do our share.We always clean-up, clean-up (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)To show we really care.We always clean-up, clean-up (clap) clean-up (clap, clap)’Cause we like to do our share.
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Song #3 Dora The Explorer Clean Up Song
Dora is so lovable, enthusiastic, and upbeat! (not to mention bilingual) There is a reason why Dora the Explorer is one of the longest-running shows of Nick Jr. This song is super fun, which is really important when teaching your toddler to clean up. Check out more Dora The Explorer Songs!
Lyrics
Clean Up, Clean Up
Everybody Clean Up
Let’s Work Together
Everyone Do Their Share
Clean Up, Clean Up
Come On Now And Clean Up
Everyone Everywhere
We’re Gonna Take Out The Trash
We’re Gonna Make This Place Shine
(Shine, Shine, Shine, We’re Gonna Make It Shi-ine)
Everyone Knows It Feels So Great
Because It…Looks So Fine
Clean Up, Clean Up
Everybody Clean Up
Let’s Work Together
Everyone Do Their Share
Clean Up, Clean Up
Come On Now And Clean Up
Everyone Everywhere
Clean Up, Clean Up
Everybody Clean Up
Clean Up, Clean Up
Come On Now And Clean Up
Clean Up, Clean Up
Everybody Clean Up, Yeah!
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Song #2 Clean Up Song By ELF
I love this song because it is SIMPLE and REPETITIVE. This song tells your toddler to do the same thing over and over again, but says it in a few different ways. That is a great recipe for a toddler song.
I love the fact that learning with a toddler can be super easy if you just keep a few important things in mind. I talk about this topic in my post about Inspiring Your Toddler to Learn! Check it out!
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Lyrics
Time to Clean Up Everyone
Let’s Pick Up Our Things
Clean Up.
Everybody Clean Up.
Clean Up.
Everybody Clean Up.
Time To Clean Up
Pick Up.
Everybody Pick Up.
Pick Up.
Everybody Pick Up.
Time To Pick Up
Pick up The Toys
Put Them Away
Pick up The Blocks
Put Them Away
Pick up The Books
Put Them Away
Put Your Things Away
Pick up The Toys
Put Them Away
Pick up The Blocks
Put Them Away
Pick up The Books
Put Them Away
Put Your Things Away
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Song #1! – Super Simple Clean Up Song
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Often times, simple is best when it comes to preschool aged children! This is the song that we sing multiple times a day. I can’t explain it, but my toddler Loves this version! You can find more great tips on how to use the clean up song in a small classroom Here!
Lyrics
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up! Clean up! Clean up!
Put your things away.
Pick up your toys.
Pick up your books.
Pick up your shoes.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Clean up, clean up.
Everybody, let’s clean up.
Clean up, clean up.
Put your things away.
Tips and Tricks for Getting Your Toddler to Clean Up
Songs are an excellent aide to help toddlers get moving, and I rely on music for many lessons at this age. However, there are other tips and tricks that help as well.
1. TRY NOT TO GIVE IN!
This is my number one tip! ? Even if you have to go toy by toy and help them get each individual toy (I know that’s more work for us at first lol). It’s called Hand over hand. You may literally have to take their hand in yours, put it over a piece, pick it up, and guide their hand to the bin. Repeat. Do not talk.
After a few repetitions, the child will usually want to continue by himself. Not giving in and cleaning up yourself will teach your toddler that no amount of crying or whining (or ignoring) will get him or her out of cleaning up. It’s one of the tough parts of parenting but it is oh so necessary in the long run for soo many things.
So be as consistent as you can and hold on! Don’t let that cute little face get out of cleaning up toys!
2. CLEAN UP AT A CONVENIENT AND/OR EFFICIENT TIME
I help my son tidy right before bath and bed, that way there is no temptation to come in and mess it up before the next morning. Make it part of a routine, not something that is only done sometimes. When it becomes a routine, toddlers will come to expect it and the resistance will begin to fade.
3. HAVE SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION TOOLS
It also helps to have specific places for him/her to put toys so that can be one less thing for your tot to worry about. It also makes it easier to put things away and take them out as well.
4. CONSISTENCY
Did I already mention consistency? lol. Getting a clean up habit formed with your toddler is essential. We have to be consistent with our expectations. Children need to know EXACTLY what our expectations are if they are going to meet them. The
school environment is a great example of this point. The children in school very clearly know what is expected of them on a day to day basis and this is why they pick up after themselves at school.
At home children need to know what the boundaries are for the environment. Do they need to clean up after each activity? at the end of the day?
Can they leave their things out or what needs to be packed up? If one day we leave things out, and the next day things must be cleaned up, that can be very confusing.
5. LIMIT THE NUMBER OF PIECES OR TOYS
Too many toys to clean can be intimidating when it comes time to clean up, so you are more likely to run into resistance. I do a monthly check on toys that are just pushed around by my toddler and not really played with at all.
I either give them away or put them away for a while. I and can honestly say I have never regretted anything I got rid of.
6.CLEAN UP BY COLOR/SIZE/SHAPE/ETC.
Cleaning up and learning can literally go hand-in-and and it creates an element of fun as well. Ask your child which shape or color he or she wants to pick up first and allow them to sort before putting anything away. Any type of game like this is a great way to get the clean up habit formed.
My son is obsessed with letters and numbers so games can be made using those concepts as well. One thing I plane to do is put numbers on his toy bins and number stickers on his toys as well. Then when we go to clean up, he can check the number and we can make it a game.
I get kind of excited just thinking about it LOL. It’s just the little things that can make a huge difference in whether your toddler s cooperative or not. Creativity has always been a plus.
7. KNOW YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING
Know that expecting your child to clean up after herself is not an unreasonably high expectation — it is perfectly in line with natural child development and actually works to fulfill their inner need for order and predictability.
Your two to three year old absolutely can be expected to clean up her work EVERY TIME, no matter what the environment is at the time. The great thing is that they will benefit from this expectation throughout their childhood and possibly into their adult life.
I don’t know about you but that is definitely a win-win situation for me.
Now if you are looking to scale down those huge piles of toys and find toys that are more education and multi-use, then you should definitely checkout my post on best toddlers toys!
You will get some great ideas on toys that can be a staple for years to come, and not break the bank to do. I did a lot of research to make sure this list is something that all can enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed these songs and tips! Just remember to have a place for your child to store toys and make it FUN! Don’t expect perfection because getting used to cleaning up will happen over time. Just give praise for the cleaning he does and be consistent to form the habit. An awesome clean up song will always make it better.
If you have a favorite song or any extra tips, I would love to see your ideas below! Please share!
Also, remember to sign up for your FREE weekly activities planner on the top or the right side of the page and check out my printables page!
Thank you so much for sharing your favorite clean up songs. Definitely, toddlers can be very “creative” when taking their toys out and leaving a disaster in the whole house. I have one of those disasters in my house too. My son is not as active as many toddlers are, but when he takes his toys out, we have them over the whole floor in basically every room in the house.
We have agreed with him as well that cleaning up is his job as well. He has to help all the time. For us the best way to do that is if we help him. If I go onto my knees and help him clean up, he is willing to help me too (at least most of the time). Adding a few tunes to it would improve that by much.
Thank you for also sharing the lyrics to the songs.
Oscar
You’re welcome Oscar! I totally agree with you, helping does seem to get them moving. Today I actually played the song instead of just singing it and we had a great time cleaning up lol.
Thank you very much for the variety of songs and especially for the lyrics. The Barney song is a favourite hit at home already but I’m sure the kids wouldn’t mind learning the others. My house is always like a museum for Barbie princesses and their entire home decor when the children are playing. Such a mess. The Barney song gets them active when cleaning up though so that’s a plus for me. Keeps me from doing the cleanup alone. Thanks for the piece.
No problem! Mine has a favorite as well so when I occasionally play a new song it does mix things up a little bit and make it fun 🙂 I have a 10 month old girl too so I’m looking forward to the Barbie museum! lol
Hello and thanks for sharing, what you are sharing here is pretty amazing and can really not only make cleanup fun of those little ones but it can also teach them to be responsible at the seem time. I am sure that your post will make a lot of parents job a whole lot easier. Your post is very informative and really offers great help.
I am so glad it was helpful for you, that is my goal! Anything that can keep a toddler healthy and happy.
Oh if only playing a song to make my 3-year-old son tidy up his mess would work, I have tried everything for him to pick up after himself but he just refuses. As soon as I have given in and tidied up, he just gets all his toys back out again and laughs about it. Do you have any other tips that might make tidying up fun for him?
Thanks
Matthew
I completely understand! The song is a great aide but there are other things that help as well. My number one is try not to give in! 🙂 Even if you have to go toy by toy and help him get each individual toy, he will pick up on it eventually. (I know that’s more work for us at first lol) I also help my son tidy right before bath and bed, that way there is no temptation to come in and mess it up before the next morning. Lastly, it also helps to have specific places for him to put toys. Hope this helps! I talk about this in my Inspire Early Learning post as well.
These songs are great. Thank you so much for sharing them. I also appreciate the added tips. I recently had a little boy so I’m sure this information is going to be put to use in my house soon enough. What age do you think is appropriate to start having clean up expectations?
I’m glad you enjoyed them! I would suggested starting early. From anywhere between 18 months and 2 years old is a great place to start working on the habit. Just as long as we give them ample time to get the concept.
I found these clean up tips for toddlers helpful. I never thought about putting music on for my kids when they were little. Thanks for the song ideas. I can use these with my grandkids.
You’re welcome! Yes I have realized that music helps basically everything in my life with my babies lol. I also have some great music videos in my dinosaur facts for kids post as well.
Thank you for sharing this post. I am just a little past this stage (ok, my youngest is 20 and my oldest is 27) but it brought back so many memories. I always tried to make everything a game so that my kids participated and enjoyed it. You are doing great and you have the perfect idea. I love how you incorporate fun with responsibility, even if you have to hold their hand to pick up the toy! Songs are great motivators for kids, and Barney and Dora and anyone else they saw on a TV is so motivational for them. They love those characters and want to be just like them. Great work!
I’m glad you liked it! And thank you so much1
oh my, try not to give in! this is my favorite part but the most difficult one. When there is such a mess that you just want to close that door so you can’t actually see =P…but deep inside you know you have to clean it up yourself or help them do it. Maybe music could help!
Great tips. thx!!!
I agree 100% lol
Hi Kayla a subject dear to my heart as I work with preschoolers. i use similar strategies to encourage our little darlings to assist in clean up time and as soon as we begin to sing one of the clean up songs the children immediately begin to tidy up and join in the singing as they go. I really enjoy your style of writing and your enthusiasm. Some great resources provided for parents and educators there. Keep up the great work.
I appreciate that Cass! Especially coming from someone who works with preschoolers 🙂
Haha! Where were you when I was a Kid? This list is brilliant and takes me back to my naughty days! I think the hardest lesson I learned was stepping on my Lego blocks that I left on the floor. Your way seems much better than the way I learned!
My cousin also has a new son, so I have actually heard a few of these songs. (including baby shark obviously!) I think your points are very accurate on limiting the number of toys and being consistent. Discipline is very important especially when kids satrt to push their boundaries to see what is acceptable and what isn’t.
haha! Couldn’t agree more.
Interesting post you have here, I find it really amazing and it bring back some old childhood memories, I can’t agree less with you that kids are more like human cyclones and they can just mess everything up within the twinkle of an eye, From the best preschool clean up songs I think my favorite is Barney Clean Up Song,the lyrics and rhythm was so on point back then.
I love that one too haha
Clean up songs (and songs in general) are something my wife and I have used with both of our children to much success. It makes it more fun and helps things to go much quicker. I love your tips as well about being consistent and helping them clean up to make sure it gets done and create a habit of organization. It is such an important life skill to learn early on and one that is sorely missing among many kids today.
Thanks for the great song suggestions!
You are very welcome and thanks for reading!
It’s a good way to “mindset the kid”. What a good idea, that instead of yelling and getting angry, one should play these songs instead. This is thinking outside the box, a thing that most “close-minded mothers” usually miss. Mother is happy, kid is happy, and everything works fine.
I really like the songs that I wonder, is it possible to have a subtitle of these songs in my language which is Filipino Tagalog? Because, I’m afraid our babies here won’t understand the lyrics easily if they’re in English.
Great point! I am always looking to improve and will be sure to think about other languages in the future.