Finger rhymes are a lot of fun to learn. We have a few books of them because I realised I just didn’t know too many.
Why finger rhymes?
Easy rhymes and songs that help develop language; they are fun; easy to learn and imitate. Also perfect distraction and an anywhere anytime play activity.
Our children love to hear the sound of our voice and theirs…let’s face it. While a CD works . Face to face smiling and singing is just the best fun of all for both of you. They soon learn and finish off the finger pattern for you and giggle knowing what’s coming next. I can think of many times that a silly finger rhyme has rescued me from a sticky situation. I enjoy the cuddles too.
Here’s a variation on one that we liked a few months ago. We usually do finger rhymes on my lap. Today he was particularly squirmy wormy and wanted to grab the camera so you don’t get him today. 🙂
Watch the Video below. If you’re reading this through email you may not see the video and need to go to the blog.
So here’s one you can try today with your toddler ….oh yes action rhymes and finger plays are loved beyond preschool………whatever they may say. My two older boys are trying to master ” Here’s the church there’s the steeple ” for their youngest brother.
If you’re looking for some ideas try some of the books and rhymes below. There are the ones we all know and remember like Incy Wincy spider to newer and modern ones. It’s an excellent time to try rhymes from other cultures. There signs and verse make it quite easy to pick up the meaning.
- Want to sing in a group? Join a class at your local library:Baby Rhyme Time sessions are held for parents and babies 0-2 years old during school term. The Baby Rhyme Time program uses nursery rhymes and finger plays to develop your baby’s language skills and introduces them to board books and simple stories to develop their literacy skills.
- Try some action rhymes online.
- Start your own group: BABY’S MUSIC & PLAYTIME :
Parent and Child Group – in English
Age: for babies from 9 weeksRemember all the songs and games that used to make you giggle and smile as a child?
This workshop will help you learn new songs and games, and perhaps rekindle ones from your childhood, so that you can create and share wonderful memories with your child.
Each session includes 30 minutes of rhymes, songs, lullabies and finger plays and 30 minutes of playgroup, free of organized activities.- Want to learn some Christmas finger plays and rhymes? Try Ecobites.com
My 4 yo is really into learning finger rhymes and action songs at the moment. We love Where is thumbkin? (great for when you’re cutting fingernails) and Round and Round the Garden.
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..a handful of musical games =-.
Thanks for the tip about the fingernails Catherine. Stops all the squirming I bet.
My boys love the Hokey Pokey and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. I love it when they walk around the house singing under their breaths. So cute!!
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Fall Leaf Activities =-.
The songs they sing in our house are always a mix of many songs together. Makes me smile too. Thanks Rachel for stopping by.