Little Folkies

Little Folkies is a multi-award-winning early childhood folk music program where children take part in singing, finger plays, movement, dance, rhythm games, imaginative play, and hands-on instrument exploration using simple instruments. Classes are all-acoustic and follow a curriculum developed to inspire singing and movement, with songs centered around themes of nature, animals, and everyday life.

• Ages: 0–5 years old

For more than 15 years, Little Folkies has introduced thousands of children and families to folk music through live acoustic singing, movement, rhythm, play, and connection. The program was created and developed by acclaimed musician, singer-songwriter, and music educator Irena Eide. Little Folkies features a 4-volume seasonal box set, “Songs for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter,” a collection of original and traditional songs released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and archived in the Library of Congress, and the program is based in San Francisco, California. Classes are screen-free, with no screens or flashing toys used during the program.

Parents describe the music and classroom experience as outstanding and note that the songs often become part of their daily routines at home. One parent reports that their child looks forward to seeing the teacher each week, and another parent describes Little Folkies as a fun place for children to learn, sing, and play.

Last updated August 16, 2026.