Hand games toddlers and infants can do. Popular hand play songs in childcare
Here’s an introduction to recommended finger-play songs for babies and toddlers.
Finger-play songs are a popular way to communicate with babies who can’t speak yet and a favorite play activity for toddlers.
Once you start a finger-play song, kids get super interested—many will try to imitate you!
Beyond building a sense of rhythm, finger-play songs also help develop the body by encouraging children to move their hands and fingers as they intend.
They’re almost always incorporated in childcare settings.
We’ve gathered finger-play songs that are popular with toddlers, as well as ones that babies can enjoy just by listening, so be sure to give them a try!
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Hand games toddlers and babies can do. Popular hand game songs in childcare (11–20)
Under the big chestnut tree
Under the big tree where delicious chestnuts have ripened.
The song that encourages everyone to play energetically beneath it is “Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree.” Based on an English folk tune, it was often sung among American Boy Scouts.
You use big arm movements to represent the large tree in time with the lyrics.
Then you point to a friend you want to play with and to yourself, and cross your hands in front of your chest.
Finally, you spread your arms wide again to show the big tree and finish.
It’s also fun to make parody versions not only with chestnut trees but with cherry trees, palm trees, and all sorts of others! You can freely change the hand motions to match, which makes it even more interesting.
Knock, knock, knock, knock, Grandpa with the beard
The hand-clapping song “Ton ton ton ton Hige Jiisan” features all kinds of characters, like a bearded grandpa and a person wearing glasses.
Make fists with both hands and, keeping the rhythm, alternately stack them up and down.
After that, match the character that appears: bring your hands under your chin to make a beard, or shape your hands like tubes and place them over your eyes like glasses.
At the end, following the lyrics, place both hands on your knees to finish.
You can also change the final part to other spots, like on top of your head or on your bottom! It’s a fun hand-play song where you can transform into different people while keeping the beat!
Tickle on the narrow bridge
Ippon-bashi Kochokocho is a playful game where you trace and tickle a baby’s arm.
You mirror the actions described in the song’s lyrics.
First, trace from the baby’s elbow to their palm with one finger, then gently tickle their palm.
Next, following the lyrics, stroke, pat, and pinch the hand—being careful to do everything gently.
After that, like climbing stairs one step at a time, move two fingers from the baby’s palm up toward their shoulder.
Finally, tickle their whole body.
Since all the actions feel pleasantly ticklish, your baby is sure to enjoy it!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is often sung as a lullaby.
The version sung around the world today is based on a French chanson, with new lyrics written by an English poet.
We recommend enjoying this song by moving a baby’s hands and feet, like a gentle baby massage.
In time with the rhythm, softly bring hand to hand, foot to foot, or hand to foot.
Although the song’s lyrics talk about the twinkling stars, it’s also fun to adapt the words so that it’s the baby’s moving hands and feet that are shining.
After moving their body, this song also makes a lovely lullaby for a nap.
What shall we make with rock, paper, scissors?
“What Can We Make with Rock, Scissors, Paper?” is a classic hand-play song.
Using the rock, scissors, and paper shapes from rock-paper-scissors, you create different things that appear.
For example, make a rock with one hand and scissors with the other, and place the rock on top of the scissors to make a snail appear! There are a few standard creations, but it’s also fun to add your own variations.
Try using rock, scissors, and paper to make lots of things that will delight babies!