Graduation Songs for Preschoolers

The line has formed! The caps are donned! Let's get to it, shall we?

Number 10: "Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", Aerosmith.
The kids love it, the parents love it. It really captures the potential dramatics of the first sweet step to the next school level.

Number 9: "(I've Had) the Time of My Life", Bill Medley and Jennifer Warner.
Really, this sums up the pre-school experience. It also happened to be my pre-school graduation song, and as a child of the '80's with a pre-school aged child of my own, I think this could really come back into vogue with our generation of parents.

Number 8: "Beautiful Day", U2.
A hopeful, upbeat and optimistic choice that is bound to inspire young ones, teachers, and parents alike. Those kids are going to reach right out and grab that future!

Number 7: "School's Out", Alice Cooper.
A slightly more rebellious, rocking choice is bound to give an edge to the day's events. Don't get too excited, though, future rebels-- school isn't actually out forever for you, yet.

Number 6: "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You", Sting.
This is a safe and kind choice that reaffirms the belief parents and teachers have in their respective children and students. It's something children need to hear, which is why it remains a classic choice.

Number 5: "The Greatest Love of All", Whitney Houston.
Although dated, this choice continues to jerk tears out of many a sappy parent, teacher, and sometimes, child. And, it's appropriately all about the children.

Number 4: "I Believe I Can Fly", R. Kelly.
Despite the controversy over this artist, this song continues to remain a top choice for empowering our youth. If you can get over the stigma associated with R. Kelly, it has the possibility of being a winning selection.

Number 3: "The Circle of Life", Elton John.
Not only will the kids recognize it as a Disney tune, but the parents and teachers will feel nostalgic-- whether it's for 14 years in their past, or in the reminiscing of their children's short life unfolding so rapidly before their watery eyes.

Number 2: "I Hope You Dance", Lee Ann Womack.
While not my first choice personally, it must be recognized as a crowd pleaser, especially amongst the country crowds. Even non-country people seem to dig it, which goes to show that a woman's voice and a bit of nurturing life advice put to music goes a long way.

Number 1: "You Get What You Give", The New Radicals.
This powerful anthem gets everyone energized and happy, quickly. It'll pump you up and prime you for school-aged summertime frivolity (and life itself!), even if it does contain the word "ass" and other perhaps inappropriate and now-irrelevant pop culture references. But, your kids will recognize it from Surf's Up, and if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us. This song is a guaranteed party with an overall great message.