Folkways for Kids!
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is committed to providng engaging and educational music for kids. Read more about our philosophy on music and children here.
View our catalogue, Music for Children, complete with descriptions, age recommendations, and reviews. Or simply search our entire catalogue on-line. Below are Follkways' top ten most popular recordings for kids to get you started.
You Are My Little Bird
Elizabeth Mitchell
SFW CD 45063 (2006)
Once in a great while we encounter an artist who stands consciously and directly in the tradition of children's music that Folkways has carried for nearly 60 years, and Elizabeth Mitchell is one such artist. Her lovely voice brings a fresh sound to cherished American folk songs and other melodies from around the world. In a peaceful yet powerful way, she reintroduces us to the songs we thought we knew so well.
Multi-Cultural Children's Songs
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45045 (1995)
Ella compiled 23 tracks from 12 previous records focusing on multicultural themes. Booklet includes lyrics and a discography plus notes written by Ella. "In Trinidad," "Dance Tunes from Many Lands," "Thank You in Many Languages," and more. Ages 2-9.
"A treasure trove of rhythm, rhyme and heart" --LA Times
You'll Sing a Song and I'll Sing a Song
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45010 (1989)
Ella's best-selling record has international songs that encourage singing and rhythmic participation. Recommended for early education by Teachers Magazine. "Did You Feed My Cow?," "This Train," "Sifting in the Sand," "Cadima," "Shabbat Shalom," and others. Ages 2-9.
"Will surely delight the young." --Film News
Smithsonian Folkways Children's Collection
SFW CD 45043 (1998)
26 songs, play-party games, and poems selected from over 200 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings and Folkways Records present a panorama of music performed for and by young children. Includes notes, song texts, and a complete list of recordings for children. Well-loved songs and unexpected treasures from Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, Langston Hughes, Ella Jenkins, Suni Paz, Pete Seeger, and others. Ages 4-10.
"Incredible...impressive...marvelous." --Chicago Parent News
Birds, Beasts, Bugs and Fishes (Little and Big)
Pete Seeger
SFW CD 45039 (1998)
Pete Seeger released 28 songs and stories about animals on two short LP records in 1955 to an enthusiastic audience. Ever since, they have been sung by generations of parents, grandparents, and children. The two original releases have been combined on this single CD creating an irresistible collection of songs to sing along with, to draw pictures about, to play hand games to, and to be enjoyed by the entire family. Ages 4-12
Early, Early Childhood Songs
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45015 (1990)
Eight favorites performed with nursery school children. Features melodies performed on folk instruments followed by playful group exercises for melody recognition. Includes "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Farmer in the Dell," and "Skip to My Lou." Ages 2-4.
"You hear the fits and starts of hesitant children, at first mumbling ditties like This Old Man, then growing confident, until they sing without self-consciousness..." --Entertainment Weekly
Play Your Instruments and Make a Pretty Sound
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45018 (1995)
Ella encourages children to play rhythm instruments provided by the teacher or homemade. After she sings "Put Your Instruments Away," a jazz band introduces the trombone, clarinet, drum, trumpet, etc. Ten songs include "Follow the Leader," "Let's Listen to the Band," and "Harmonica Happiness." Ages 2-9.
"A fabulous first music lesson, Play teaches the basics of rhythm and response and introduces eight instruments." --Entertainment Weekly
Come Dance by the Ocean
Ella Jenkins
SFW CD 45014 (1991)
Songs dedicated to caring for the environment and appreciating other cultures, languages, and places. Includes "You Can't Sink a Rainbow," and "A Solution to Pollution." Parents' Choice Award winner. Ages 2-9.
"...a wonderful collection of songs about caring for the environment and enjoying other cultures, languages, and places." --New Jersey Greater News
Songs to Grow On for Mother and Child
Woody Guthrie
SFW CD 45035 (1991)
Beautifully remastered vintage recordings with vocals, acoustic guitar, and rattles. Includes counting songs "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8" and "One Day Old," playful songs "Wash-y Wash" and "Pick It Up," and songs of adoration "Little Sugar" and "Eat You Up." Ages 4-6.
"Songs meant for you to sing with your children as parents have done for generations." --Long Island Parenting
Lead Belly Sings for Children
Lead Belly
SFW CD 45047 (1999)
With classics like "Skip to My Lou," "Boll Weevil," and "John Henry," this collection of 28 songs and spoken introductions for children reveal the humor, humanity, and musical genius of one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. All ages.
"It is a remarkable record, musically superb and deeply informative." --Boston Globe Online
