Folk music can be extremely effective. Folk music should be selected that contains a sincere feeling tone and an underlying honesty and respect for children. This is often identified intuitively rather than through a logical sequential analysis of the song. Most traditional folk songs have withstood time and many generations of children and adults who have loved them and sung them. Many of these songs are already familiar to the adult who is working or playing with the child.
Contemporary songs composed in a folk style are also appropriate.
It is important to sense whether the song was written as an expression of childhood and a knowledge and appreciation of children, or whether the underlying theme is simply to teach something with music. Many of the songs written for straight educational purposes lack the spark and feeling tone of pleasure and playfulness that is communicated by the more traditional folk song. An emotional tone of respect for the child and the shear enjoyment of the music are crucial. Assess the initial needs of your program. It is not necessary to create a full program immediately.