Two Little Blackbirds is a classic preschool circle time song. When I was teaching preschool, simple songs with motions were some of my favorite tools during circle time. Songs like Two Little Blackbirds help children focus, participate, and learn at the same time. This version is especially fun because it helps kids practice using soft voices and loud voices, while also introducing the idea of opposites.

Children love the dramatic difference between whispering and shouting, and the motions make it easy for even very young kids to join in.

Two Little Blackbirds Song (Soft and Loud Version)

Two little blackbirds sitting on a cloud,
One named Soft, one named Loud.

Fly away Soft,
Fly away Loud.

Come back Soft,
Come back Loud.

Hand Motions

This song is even more fun when you add simple hand motions.

• Hold up both pointer fingers to represent the two birds.
• When you say One named Soft, whisper the word quietly.
• When you say One named Loud, say the word in a big loud voice.
• When the birds fly away, hide your finger behind your back. Using your soft or loud voice for each finger.
• When they come back, bring your finger back out again. Using your soft or loud voice for each finger.

Kids love the surprise of the birds disappearing and returning.

Teaching Kids About Soft and Loud Voices

After singing the song, it’s a great opportunity to talk with children about when to use different kinds of voices.

You can ask questions like:

• When should we use soft voices?
• When is it okay to use loud voices?

This can lead into a simple discussion about using soft voices indoors and saving loud voices for outside play. Songs like this make it easier for young children to understand these ideas in a fun and memorable way.

Try Other Opposites

One of the best things about this song is how easy it is to change the bird names to practice other opposites.

You might try singing the song with pairs like:

• Tall / Short
• Fast / Slow
• Happy / Sad
• Big / Little
• Hot / Cold

Simply replace the names in the song and keep the same motions. Children enjoy hearing new combinations each time you sing it.

More Activities for Kids

If you’re looking for more simple activities for kids, you might also enjoy exploring some of the other ideas here on The Heart Shaped Home.

• Visit my Bella Imagines coloring pages for a fun creative activity.
• Try some easy kids crafts and sensory play ideas.
• Or explore the children’s books and activities on my Books page.