As the new school year begins across the country, foundational learning remains a central focus for families and educators alike.
Long before tablets and streaming playlists, phonograph records—often paired with printed materials—offered children a joyful doorway into reading, math, and social values. From catchy alphabet tunes to fun arithmetic adventures, these educational vinyl albums helped shape the minds of generations of young learners.
The following classics are standout examples that blend music, storytelling, and learning in timeless ways.
The Muppet Alphabet Album (Columbia, 1971)
A beloved treasure trove featuring Jim Henson’s Sesame Street Muppets, this gatefold album introduces each letter of the alphabet through clever songs and skits. Among the highlights is the iconic ‘C’ Is for Cookie, performed with gusto by Cookie Monster. The album’s playful structure and memorable tunes, written by Joe Raposo, Jeffrey Moss, and Jerry Juhl, make it a favourite for early learners.
Alphabet and Counting Songs (Peter Pan, 1979)
Initially released as Fun with the ABCs on the Rocking Horse label in 1966, this LP evolved to include original compositions of the Alphabet Song and a classic rendition of the Counting Song. Whimsical tracks like A My Name Is and The Animal Alphabet (both by Clay Boland, Jr.) make learning the alphabet engaging and memorable.
The Space Alphabet (Golden, 1971)
This quirky gem blends the ABCs with outer space exploration, using short musical pieces to introduce basic scientific concepts. The final track, The Planet Song, adds a cosmic flourish. Fun fact: Vic Flick, famous for the original James Bond Theme guitar riff, co-arranged and conducted the music.
Numbers! (Sesame Street, 1977)
More Sesame Street magic, as listeners count along with the Muppets in this lively concept album featuring music, lyrics, and continuity by Jeffrey Moss. Standout tracks include Just One Me (Big Bird), Six (Bert and Ernie), Eight Beautiful Notes (The Count) and Ten Cookies (Cookie Monster). As always, the humour and songs make learning feel like play.
Addition and Subtraction (Disneyland, 1963 / ‘67 reissue)
Jiminy Cricket (voiced by Cliff Edwards) and Rica Moore guide listeners through the basics of arithmetic with catchy tunes and gentle narration. Highlights include Noah’s Ark (Adding by Twos), The Cannibal Song (Subtracting by One), and The Finger Game (Subtracting from 5 & 6), songs that are both imaginative and instructive.
Multiplication and Division (Disneyland, 1963 / ‘65 reissue)
This companion LP continues the musical mathematical journey with Jiminy Cricket and Rica Moore. Tracks such as Rabbit Times Rabbit, The Multiple Waltz (Table of Four), and Go to the Head of the Class (Dividing by Four) present the concepts through Moore’s engaging compositions.
It’s About Time (Peter Pan, 1963 / ’67 reissue)
Even in the digital age, this album remains a charming way to teach children about time. Songs cover the days of the week, months of the year, and the International Date Line. With its singable and built-in activities, most of the songs are compelling, catchy, and memorable.
A Child’s Introduction to Reading, Writing and Arithmetic (Golden, 1962)
Created by Jackie Reinach and Joan Lamport (also behind It’s About Time), this album features John Allen and the Sandpiper Singers performing songs about letters, vowels, consonants, spelling, and math. A companion workbook provides additional exercises and serves as a practical learning tool.
What Can the Difference Be? (Songs about Opposites) (Golden, 1972)
Produced in 1971 and released the following year, this album introduces children to the concept of opposites through lively songs and playful narration. From big and small to loud and soft, it turns everyday contrasts into musical discoveries. Under the musical direction of Peter Moore, learning about sizes, shapes, directions, and textures has rarely sounded so fun.
Songs about Health, Safety, Friendship, Manners (Wonderland Golden, 1973)
First performed in 1961 by Jack Mercer and Mae Questel as Popeye and Olive Oyl (and friends), the LP was re-recorded a year later by a vocal ensemble. With upbeat tunes covering the four essential themes, it encourages children to be kind, safe, healthy, and considerate members of their community. The messages are simplistic yet timeless, and the melodies, arranged by Jim Timmens, help to reinforce them.
And there you have it—ten albums that represent the foundation of education through story, music, and song. While countless other titles await rediscovery, these selections remain personal favourites for their creativity, warmth, and enduring learning value. Even in today’s digital world, I believe they still hold power: to teach, to comfort, and to spark curiosity in young minds, as well as in older ones, too.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some listening to do. And who knows? I might learn a few new things myself.
