Fingerplay with rhymes

Fingerplay and actions songs give an opportunity to have fun! These activities come to life during circle and large group times as preschool children show word meaning through simple actions and finger movements. Preschoolers develop memory and recall skills as they sing and recite the songs. However, the benefits do not stop there. Fingerplay and action songs help children develop an understanding of rhythms, both the rhythms of speech and music. Fingerplays and action songs can also help build a child’s vocabulary and aid in language development.

Other benefits:

• Allow for self-expression, encouraging a child’s own response in his or her use of body and speech.

• Encourage students to participate verbally Provide relaxation (a legitimate opportunity to wiggle and move around).

• Assists the child in learning to follow directions Increases attention span.

• Develops listening skills Teaches order and sequence.

• Helps in teaching number concepts Increases manual dexterity and muscular control.