This article discusses the problem of using small forms of folklore in working with learners with intellectual disabilities. The authors point out the peculiarities of the psycho-physical development of children with intellectual disabilities, correlate them with various small forms of folklore. The pedagogical influence of riddles, proverbs, fables, proverbs, nursery rhymes, jokes is substantiated by concrete examples, which influence not only the mental development of this category of children, but also contribute to their emotional development, motivate to learning activities, expands the concept of the world.