Song Playlists for Teachers

by Catharine Hannay


A big part of my mission here at Mindful Teachers is to make it easier for you to find the resources you need to teach mindfulness, compassion, gratitude, social-emotional skills and social responsibility. 

In putting together these playlists, I reject at least a dozen songs for every song that makes it onto the list. I look for:

• themes appropriate for values-based teaching and lessons on mindfulness and social-emotional learning;
• a range of musical styles to suit different tastes; and
• interesting lyrics, without gratuitously offensive words or images (which is why I don't include more rap and hip-hop; let's just say it's been eye-opening).

Some of the songs and discussion questions are intended for adults and mature teens. If you teach young children, start with:

• Great Children's Songs about Mindfulness, Self-Acceptance, and Gratitude 

I've tried to include something for everyone on the other playlists, but please read the lyrics and watch the full video before deciding what's appropriate for your particular context.  


Song Playlists with Questions for Reflection and Discussion

All About the Breath 

Songs about breath-based meditation, breathing through strong emotions, and 'the moments that take your breath away'

Are You Happy? 

Songs about feeling happy, looking on the bright side, and pretending to be happy while hiding our true feelings

Be Here Now 

Songs about growing up, seasons changing, remembering the past, and appreciating the present moment

Change the World 

Songs about diversity, unity, love for humanity, and making a difference

Kindness and Compassion (part 1 of 2)

Songs about treating each other with compassion, empathy, and kindness

Kindness and Compassion (part 2 of 2)

Songs about discrimination, understanding people from different backgrounds, and taking action to help others

Gratitude (part 1 of 2)

Songs offering thanks to specific people; songs expressing appreciation for life itself

Gratitude (part 2 of 2)

Songs about appreciating our circumstances and our loved ones

Nature and the Environment

Songs about protecting the environment, appreciating nature, and treating all creatures with respect and compassion

Regret and Forgiveness

Songs about apologizing, reconciliation, and forgiving ourselves and others

Self-Acceptance

Songs about being true to ourselves and recognizing our own strength and vulnerability

Self-Compassion, Self-Acceptance, and Empathy

Songs about appreciating our differences and supporting each other.

Songs About Friends and Family

Songs about love, gratitude, compassion, and challenging relationships  

What is Love?

Songs about healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships

Photo by bruce mars from Pexels

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related posts:

Activities for Teaching Mindfulness, Compassion, Gratitude, and Social-Emotional Skills

Effective Mindfulness-Based Approaches, for Students and Teachers

Mindfulness and Yoga for Young Children: Tips, Books, Apps, and Activities

Teaching Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga to Teens