Preschool Classes
Spark musical confidence and creativity!
The 40 minute Little Folkies preschool class feature the songs from the 4-volume Little Folkies Boxset ‘Songs for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter’ out on Smithsonian Folkways. Each song is accompanied by a musical activity, like finger play, hand movement, dance, rhythmic play, call and response, or instrument playing and students learn music fundamentals through song and musical games.
What’s included:
40 minute weekly preschool class with certified Little Folkies Teacher
Up to 15 kids per class, 1 adult per 7 kids
Teacher plays guitar and teaches the songs from the Little Folkies collection, leading the class in song, dance, lots of movement and instrument jamming!
Students learn music fundamentals such as dynamics, tempo, rhythm, pitch, melody and harmony through song and musical games designed for preschool aged children.
About the Little Folkies Preschool Program
Throughout the semester the students learn the words and movements to the seasonal songs of the Little Folkies Collection, and along the way develop basic music competence and learn about music fundamentals: rhythm, pitch, dynamics, scales, and more through song, musical games, movement, and activities. The classes feature all-acoustic, original music by Little Folkies creator Irena Eide and traditional folk and traditional music for children.
The songs change with the seasons. The songs are not your usual “wheels on the bus" but rather a large collection of folk tunes for children centered on nature, animals, and life from a child's perspective. Movement accompanies each song so the children are always using their hands, feet, and voices.
The teacher continually engages the students and encourages participation through song, play, call and response, movement, and repetition. The 35-minute session follows the Little Folkies preschool class format and ends with a hands-on instrument jam with children-sized wooden instruments, percussion, xylophones, accordions, and a soothing lullaby.