October 23rd, 2009 Finger rhymes we love Posted by Melitsa in Education, language, play activities

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 weeks

  Remember 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

What finger rhymes do you love?

Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

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