As Muslim parents, we want to fill our homes with joy and learning that nurtures our children's fitrah. Finding the right counting songs for preschool can feel tricky. We want them to be engaging and educational, but also gentle, wholesome, and free from inappropriate themes or distracting music. It's a common challenge: how do we teach early numeracy in a way that aligns with our Islamic values, especially when so much online content is overwhelming or contains elements we'd rather avoid?
This guide is designed for you. We understand the need for resources that fit seamlessly into the rhythm of a Muslim household, whether you're looking for a calm activity before Dhuhr prayer or a fun way to learn numbers while preparing snacks. We have curated a list of trusted platforms and artists offering high-quality counting songs in English, with some resources also providing Arabic and Urdu options. Our goal is to help you find content that supports your child’s development without compromising your family’s values.
Each recommendation includes a direct link, a brief overview, and practical tips for creating a safe, ad-free listening environment, ensuring your child's first steps into learning are both positive and protected, inshaAllah. While songs are a fantastic tool, they are just one part of a rich learning journey. For a broader range of engaging educational activities for preschoolers, you can explore ideas that build other foundational skills in a fun, interactive way. Let’s dive into our favorite sources for joyful, faith-friendly counting songs.
1. Super Simple
For parents and educators seeking a comprehensive, classroom-ready hub for counting songs for preschool, Super Simple is an outstanding resource. It functions as a one-stop shop, aggregating dozens of songs with corresponding activities, printables, and teaching guides. This integrated approach makes it incredibly easy to move from singing a song to a hands-on learning activity, reinforcing number concepts in a fun and engaging way.
What makes Super Simple particularly valuable is its focus on practical application. Each song page often includes notes for parents or teachers with suggestions for gestures, related crafts, or games to play. This structure helps transform a simple song into a full-fledged mini-lesson, perfect for a structured day at home or in an Islamic preschool setting. The platform’s design is clean and user-friendly, allowing you to quickly find what you need without getting lost.
Key Features and Offerings
- Dedicated Counting Category: The site has a specific "Counting & Numbers" section with over 70 songs and activities, making it easy to find relevant content.
- Free Printables: Many songs are paired with free, downloadable resources like number flashcards and worksheets. For example, you can sing "Five Little Ducks" and then use the matching printable for a colouring and counting activity.
- Teaching and Activity Guides: Songs come with practical tips, suggested gestures, and ideas for companion games, helping you extend the learning beyond just the music.
- Cross-Platform Access: While the resources are on the website, Super Simple provides direct links to stream their full albums on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
How to Use It Effectively
For Muslim families, Super Simple can be a great starting point for educational content. The songs themselves are generally neutral and focus on core learning concepts. However, because audio and video content is often hosted on external platforms like YouTube or Spotify, it's essential to manage how your child accesses them.
Parenting Tip: Use a dedicated, ad-free platform like Babymode to play the audio or video. This allows you to share the beneficial songs from Super Simple without exposing your toddler to ads, distracting algorithmic suggestions, or potentially inappropriate content that can appear on mainstream streaming services.
This approach lets you benefit from Super Simple's excellent educational structure while maintaining a safe, halal-aligned digital environment for your child. By pairing their resources with a secure player, you create a focused learning experience that aligns with your family’s values.
Website: https://supersimple.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classroom-ready structure with songs, printables, and guides. | Full audio tracks often require off-site subscriptions (e.g., Spotify). |
| Extensive free resources for lesson prep and home activities. | Not specifically curated for chant-style or instrument-free needs. |
| Easy access to full albums via major streaming services. | Requires parental oversight to avoid ads on external platforms. |
2. Jack Hartmann (Hop 2 It Music) Official Store
For parents and educators who want to buy music outright rather than subscribe, Jack Hartmann's official store is a fantastic resource. This platform is perfect for finding high-energy counting songs for preschool that you can purchase once as MP3 downloads and own forever. Jack Hartmann’s music is renowned in educational circles for its "brain breaks" style, combining movement with learning to keep children physically and mentally engaged.
What makes Jack Hartmann stand out is the focus on scalable counting skills. His songs cover everything from simple number recognition (1-5) to more advanced concepts like counting to 100 or skip-counting by twos, fives, and tens. This makes his collection a long-term investment that grows with your child's abilities. The songs are specifically designed for classroom use, which means they are clear, repetitive, and effective at holding a child’s attention.
Key Features and Offerings
- One-Time Purchase Downloads: You can buy individual songs or full albums as MP3s directly from the store, avoiding recurring monthly subscriptions.
- Broad Counting Coverage: The library includes songs for every stage, from basic counting like "Count to 20 and Workout" to more complex skills in "Hip-Hop Around the Clock."
- Movement-Based Learning: Almost every song incorporates actions, dancing, or physical movement, helping kinesthetic learners grasp number concepts more effectively.
- YouTube Preview Channel: While the store is for purchases, his extensive YouTube presence allows you to preview songs before buying, ensuring they are a good fit for your family.
How to Use It Effectively
For Muslim families, Jack Hartmann’s educator-focused approach offers a great way to access structured learning content. After purchasing the MP3s, you control how and where they are played, completely removing the risk of ads or unsuitable algorithmic content. The emphasis on movement also provides a healthy, active way to learn, which is an excellent alternative to passive screen time.
Parenting Tip: Create a dedicated "learning playlist" with your purchased Jack Hartmann MP3s on a secure device. By using a safe platform like Babymode, you can play these energetic songs without any distractions, turning them into a focused activity time. This allows you to harness the educational benefits while maintaining a controlled and halal media environment for your preschooler.
This method ensures that your child gets the full benefit of these well-regarded educational songs in a way that aligns with your family’s values.
Website: https://jackhartmann.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One-time purchase downloads mean no monthly subscriptions. | Some older CDs are sold via a separate distributor, splitting the catalog. |
| Proven classroom traction with scalable counting activities. | Content is primarily focused on the English language. |
| Movement-based songs are great for active learners. | Less focused on printables or integrated lesson plans than competitors. |
3. Dream English Kids
For parents and educators looking for straightforward, budget-friendly counting songs for preschool, Dream English Kids is an excellent and practical choice. The platform specializes in simple, clear-paced songs that are perfect for toddlers, ESL learners, and early childhood classrooms. Its direct approach provides free MP3 downloads for classroom use and affordable paid options, making it highly accessible for home and school settings alike.
What sets Dream English Kids apart is its focus on simplicity and accessibility. The songs feature gentle vocals and a slow, deliberate pace, which is ideal for very young learners who are just beginning to grasp number concepts. While the website design is more utilitarian than editorial, it allows for quick and easy access to the core content: downloadable songs. This makes it a fantastic resource for a teacher preparing for a class or a parent needing a quick, effective learning tool without complex navigation.
Key Features and Offerings
- Free MP3 Downloads: The site offers a generous collection of counting songs that can be downloaded for free for classroom and personal use, a huge benefit for educators on a budget.
- Affordable Paid Options: For those who want higher-quality, ad-free versions, Dream English provides inexpensive individual track downloads and album packs.
- Learner-Focused Pacing: The simple melodies and clear pronunciation are specifically designed for toddlers and children learning English, ensuring the numbers are easy to hear and repeat.
- Streaming Availability: In addition to direct downloads, the songs are available on major streaming platforms like Amazon Music and Apple Music, offering flexible listening options.
How to Use It Effectively
Dream English Kids is a great resource for Muslim families who prefer a "less is more" approach. The songs are instrument-simple and vocally driven, focusing purely on educational content without excessive stimulation. The availability of direct MP3 downloads is a significant advantage for creating a controlled digital environment.
Parenting Tip: Download the free or purchased MP3 files directly from the Dream English website. You can then load these audio files onto a secure, child-safe player like Babymode. This method completely bypasses YouTube or other streaming apps, ensuring your child listens without any ads, pop-ups, or distracting video content.
This strategy allows you to use high-quality, effective counting songs while maintaining full control over your child's media consumption. It’s a simple way to create a focused, halal-friendly learning session that aligns perfectly with a calm and intentional approach to screen time and early education.
Website: https://www.dreamenglish.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable with free options and inexpensive premium tracks. | Free files may contain short audio ads at the end. |
| Simple, clear songs are ideal for toddlers and ESL learners. | The website design is basic and lacks curated content discovery. |
| Easy MP3 downloads allow for offline, ad-free use on safe players. | Not specifically created for chant-style or instrument-free needs. |
4. Twin Sisters Digital Media
For parents and educators who prefer a straightforward, purchase-based model over subscriptions, Twin Sisters Digital Media offers a massive library of downloadable counting songs for preschool. Instead of a curated platform, it functions more like a digital music store specifically for children's educational content. This makes it ideal for building a permanent, offline collection of songs that you can own and use across multiple devices without worrying about recurring fees or internet access.
What sets Twin Sisters apart is its simplicity and focus on direct ownership. The tracks are classic and predictable, covering foundational concepts like counting to ten, counting by tens, and recognising numbers up to 20. The clear age and grade labelling (e.g., PreK–2) helps you quickly identify appropriate content for your child's developmental stage. This direct-to-download approach is perfect for creating your own learning playlists without relying on streaming platforms.
Key Features and Offerings
- One-Time Purchase Model: Buy and download entire albums as ZIP files or purchase individual tracks for as low as $0.99. This eliminates the need for ongoing subscriptions.
- Age and Grade Labeling: Products are clearly marked for specific age groups (e.g., ages 2–6), making it easy to find developmentally appropriate songs.
- Classic Counting Repertoire: The catalog includes foundational songs like "Ten in the Bed," "Six Little Ducks," and dedicated tracks for rote counting exercises.
- Clear Usage Licensing: The purchased music comes with straightforward licensing for personal, home, or classroom use, giving educators and parents peace of mind.
How to Use It Effectively
Twin Sisters is a fantastic resource for Muslim families who want to curate their own digital media library. Because you download the MP3 files directly, you have complete control over how and where your child listens to them. This is a significant advantage for avoiding the ads and distracting algorithms common on mainstream streaming services.
Parenting Tip: After purchasing and downloading the songs, load them onto a dedicated, child-safe player or use an ad-free app like Babymode. This creates a focused listening environment where your child can enjoy the educational music without any interruptions or exposure to unintended content, ensuring the experience remains both beneficial and halal.
By owning the files, you can easily create a custom playlist of your child’s favourite counting songs. This controlled approach allows you to seamlessly integrate learning into your daily routine, like playing the songs in the car or during playtime, while upholding your family's digital values.
Website: https://twinsisters.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No subscription required; simple one‑time purchase digital downloads. | Catalog presentation is functional rather than editorially curated. |
| Predictable track structures that reinforce early numeracy. | Limited multilingual options are shown on product pages. |
| Clear age labeling makes it easy to select appropriate songs. | Content is audio-only, with no integrated videos or printables. |
5. Learning Without Tears
For educators and parents who prefer a curriculum-aligned approach, Learning Without Tears offers a structured and research-backed collection of counting songs for preschool. Known for its hands-on, multisensory learning programs, the brand extends its educational philosophy into music. Their primary offering, the "Sing, Sound & Count With Me" album, is designed to support early math and literacy development in a way that feels intentional and connected to physical learning activities.
What sets Learning Without Tears apart is its direct integration with proven classroom practices. The songs are not just standalone entertainment; they are tools crafted to build foundational skills in number recognition, counting, and phonics. The website allows you to stream samples of their 28-track collection, giving you a clear sense of the content's quality and style before you decide to purchase a physical CD. This makes it an excellent choice for those running a small home-based daycare or Islamic preschool looking for resources that are both educational and engaging.
Key Features and Offerings
- Curriculum-Aligned Music: The songs are designed to complement the Learning Without Tears early-years curriculum, making them a perfect addition for those already using their programs.
- On-Site Streaming Samples: You can listen to tracks directly on their website without creating an account, allowing for an easy and quick preview of the music.
- Lyrics and Activity Integration: The brand provides ideas for how to use the songs with hands-on activities, helping to bridge the gap between listening and active learning.
- Physical CD Option: For families and schools that prefer tangible media or want to limit screen dependency, the option to purchase a physical CD is a significant benefit.
How to Use It Effectively
Learning Without Tears is a trusted name in early education, and its resources are generally neutral and suitable for Muslim families. The songs focus on core academic skills without introducing conflicting themes. The emphasis on movement and hands-on learning aligns well with an Islamic approach to holistic child development, encouraging children to learn through play and physical engagement.
Parenting Tip: Since the full album is primarily available as a physical CD, consider ripping the tracks into a digital format. You can then add these audio files to a secure, ad-free player like Babymode. This gives you the best of both worlds: you own the high-quality, educational music and can play it for your child in a safe, focused digital environment free from ads or distractions.
This method allows you to integrate their excellent, curriculum-backed counting songs into your child’s routine while maintaining complete control over their media consumption, ensuring the experience remains beneficial and aligned with your family’s values.
Website: https://www.lwtears.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Trusted early-years brand with songs that pair with hands-on activities. | Selection centers on LWT albums rather than a broad marketplace. |
| Easy to test tracks and stream samples on-site before purchasing. | Physical CD fulfillment may be slower than instant digital downloads. |
| Songs are designed to support a structured learning curriculum. | Full digital access is less straightforward than subscription-based services. |
6. Apple Music / iTunes Store
For families embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Music and the iTunes Store offer a high-quality, streamlined way to access a vast commercial library of counting songs for preschool. Rather than being a content creator, Apple acts as a powerful curator, bringing together full albums and editorial playlists from trusted names like Super Simple, Jack Hartmann, and Sesame Street. This makes it a convenient hub for finding professionally produced music without navigating multiple websites.
What sets Apple Music apart is its polished user experience and robust parental controls. An Apple Music subscription provides an ad-free environment by default, which is a major advantage for Muslim parents seeking to avoid unpredictable commercials. Features like Family Sharing, offline downloads for car trips or flights, and seamless cross-device playback make it a practical choice for busy households. The curated playlists, such as "Number Fun!" and "Number of the Day Favorites," save parents time by gathering relevant tracks in one place.
Key Features and Offerings
- Curated Editorial Playlists: Apple's editors create and regularly update playlists specifically for early learning, making it easy to discover new and classic counting songs.
- Vast Library of Preschool Brands: The platform hosts complete albums from virtually every major children’s music creator, offering high-quality audio versions of popular songs.
- Family Sharing and Offline Downloads: A single subscription can be shared with family members, and songs can be downloaded to any device for listening without an internet connection.
- Cross-Device Playback: Seamlessly play music on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TV, and smart speakers, creating a consistent listening environment throughout the home.
How to Use It Effectively
Apple Music is an excellent source for high-fidelity audio, but it functions best as a closed-off, safe listening library. While you can find a wealth of English content, discovering nasheeds or faith-aligned songs requires specific searching.
Parenting Tip: Create your own custom "Halal Counting" playlists. Manually add your pre-approved counting songs and gentle nasheeds to a single playlist. You can then use the Screen Time feature on your child’s device to restrict access to only that playlist, ensuring they cannot browse or play anything else. This gives you complete control over their audio environment.
This method allows you to leverage Apple's premium, ad-free service while curating a listening experience that aligns perfectly with your family's values. You get the benefit of a massive library without the risk of unwanted content.
Website: https://music.apple.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-quality audio and robust parental controls within iOS. | Full access requires a paid Apple Music subscription. |
| Regularly updated curation specifically for kids and education. | Free previews are very short, limiting use without a subscription. |
| Ad-free listening environment ideal for safe screen time. | Many educational brand sites link out to it, it is not a direct source. |
7. Amazon Music
For households already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, Amazon Music offers a convenient and seamless way to access a vast library of counting songs for preschool. Its primary strength lies in its integration with Alexa and Echo devices, allowing for hands-free playback that is incredibly helpful for busy parents multitasking around the home. This setup makes it easy to start a playlist of number songs with a simple voice command while preparing meals or managing other children.
What makes Amazon Music a practical choice is its ability to centralise music across multiple devices. A single account works on phones, tablets, smart speakers, and even Fire TV, creating a consistent listening experience. You can create specific playlists for morning routines, car rides, or quiet learning time, ensuring your child has access to beneficial content without the visual overstimulation of video platforms. This audio-first approach is excellent for developing listening skills and imagination.
Key Features and Offerings
- Extensive Kids' Catalog: The platform includes albums from major children's music labels like Super Simple, Dream English Kids, and The Kiboomers, giving you access to popular and effective counting songs.
- Alexa and Echo Integration: Voice-activated playback allows for effortless control. You can say, "Alexa, play a playlist of counting songs for toddlers," making it a perfect tool for hands-free parenting.
- Multi-Device Playlisting: Create and sync playlists across all your devices, from your phone to your Echo Dot, ensuring educational music is always ready for daily routines.
- Tiered Access: Amazon Prime members get access to a selection of music at no extra cost, while an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription unlocks the full, on-demand catalogue.
How to Use It Effectively
Muslim families can leverage Amazon Music's ad-free, audio-only environment to create a focused learning atmosphere. The convenience of voice commands is particularly useful when your hands are full, for instance, during meal prep before Maghrib or while settling a baby for a nap. By curating your own playlists, you can ensure the content aligns with your family’s values and educational goals.
Parenting Tip: Create a "Preschool Numbers" or "Quiet Time Counting" playlist with your favourite tracks. You can then set up an Alexa Routine, so saying "Alexa, start our learning time" automatically plays this playlist, helping to establish a calm and predictable structure for your child’s day.
This method allows you to harness the power of a massive music library while maintaining full control over what your child hears. It turns a mainstream service into a personalised, halal-friendly educational tool that supports both learning and a peaceful home environment.
Website: https://music.amazon.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient if the household already uses Amazon/Echo devices. | Full on-demand access requires a Music Unlimited subscription. |
| One account works across phones, tablets, TVs, and speakers. | The included music with a Prime-only membership is more limited. |
| Voice-activated playback is great for hands-free parenting. | Recent price changes for Unlimited plans may affect the overall cost. |
7-Source Comparison: Preschool Counting Songs
| Item | Complexity (🔄) | Resources / Cost (⚡) | Effectiveness (⭐) | Results / Impact (📊) | Use Cases & Key Advantages (💡) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Simple | Low — teacher‑oriented hub; minimal prep | Mostly free assets; some streaming may need subscriptions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — engaging, music + printables | Strong classroom engagement; easy lesson pairing | Classroom lessons & at‑home practice; large counting library, printables, teaching notes |
| Jack Hartmann (Hop 2 It) | Low — direct store downloads; simple workflow | One‑time MP3 purchases (no subscription) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high‑energy, movement‑focused | Effective for active learning and transitions | Brain breaks and whole‑class movement; downloadable MP3s, YouTube previews |
| Dream English Kids | Low — straightforward downloads, quick deployment | Free classroom MP3s; low‑cost premium downloads | ⭐⭐⭐ — clear pacing ideal for very young/ESL learners | Improves comprehension for toddlers/ESL; easy to adopt | Budget classrooms and ESL; free options, ad‑free paid upgrades |
| Twin Sisters Digital Media | Low — instant downloads with age/grade labels | One‑time purchases; $0.99 singles and album ZIPs | ⭐⭐⭐ — predictable structures reinforce counting | Consistent practice and scaffolded progression | PreK–2 curriculum support; clear licensing and age labeling |
| Learning Without Tears | Low–Medium — aligns to curriculum; some prep for integration | Purchase CDs or stream; curriculum‑linked paid content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — curriculum‑aligned, activity integrated | Better transfer to hands‑on early math activities | Classroom instruction tied to LWT methods; lyrics and activity ideas |
| Apple Music / iTunes Store | Medium — requires subscription/setup across devices | Subscription for full access; free previews otherwise | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — high‑quality catalog and curated playlists | Wide selection and curated playlists enable tailored programs | Apple ecosystem households; family sharing, offline playback, editorial curation |
| Amazon Music | Medium — subscription or Prime linkage; device integration | Prime includes limited content; Music Unlimited for full access | ⭐⭐⭐ — extensive catalog with voice control | Convenient routine playlists and hands‑free playback | Homes with Alexa/Echo; voice activation, multi‑device access |
Creating Your Family's Perfect Playlist for Learning and Faith
Choosing the right counting songs for preschool is about so much more than just teaching numbers. It's about building a foundation of joyful, faith-aligned learning in our homes. As we’ve explored resources from Super Simple to Twin Sisters Digital Media, the goal has been to find melodies that are not only educational but also align with our values and the calm, nurturing environment we want for our children.
The true power of music in early learning comes from intentional curation. By hand-picking songs, we can transform potentially overstimulating screen time into a purposeful tool that supports our child’s development while respecting their innocence and our family's Islamic principles.
Key Takeaways for Building Your Child's Playlist
As you move forward, keep these core principles in mind to create a learning experience that is both effective and faith-conscious:
- You Are the Curator: You know your child best. Whether they respond to the active movements in a Jack Hartmann song or the gentle repetition from Dream English Kids, trust your intuition. You have the final say on what content enters your home.
- Safety First, Always: The digital world can be overwhelming. Prioritizing ad-free platforms and downloadable content is not just about convenience; it's about protecting our little ones from inappropriate advertisements and distracting algorithmic suggestions that can lead them down an unintended path.
- Integrate, Don't Isolate: The most effective learning happens when it’s connected to real life. Use these counting songs for preschool during daily routines. Count dates as you prepare snacks, sing about numbers while tidying up toys, or count fingers and toes during nappy changes. This makes learning a natural and integrated part of your day, not just a "screen time" activity.
- Balance is Essential: A healthy media diet includes a variety of content. Supplementing English counting songs with nasheeds and educational content in Arabic or Urdu enriches your child's learning, connecting them to their cultural and religious heritage from an early age.
Your Actionable Next Steps
Building the perfect playlist is an ongoing process of discovery. Here’s how you can start today:
- Review and Select: Go back through the list and pick two or three resources that resonate most with your family’s style. Don't try to use everything at once.
- Create a "Safe List": Whether on Apple Music, Amazon Music, or a dedicated ad-free platform, create a specific playlist of pre-approved counting songs for preschool. This saves you from searching under pressure when your toddler needs a quiet activity while you prepare iftar or finish a work call.
- Download for Offline Use: Take advantage of download features. Having a library of songs and videos available offline is a lifesaver for car rides, appointments, or simply to ensure a completely ad-free and internet-safe experience at home.
- Explore Further: The journey of gentle, faith-based parenting is filled with learning. To further support your family's learning journey, you might also explore other valuable resources and other free guides for parents that offer advice on various aspects of child development and education.
Ultimately, crafting this collection is an act of love. It’s about mindfully choosing the sounds and sights that will shape your child's earliest memories of learning. By being intentional, you can create a rich, multilingual, and faith-centered educational experience that helps your child thrive, masha'Allah, and fills your home with peace and purpose.
Ready to skip the endless searching and supervision? Babymode offers a curated library of halal-aligned counting songs, nasheeds, and educational content, all 100% ad-free and designed for Muslim families. Create your child's perfect, peaceful playlist in minutes at Babymode.
