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 that babies and toddlers can do. Popular hand-play songs in childcare (21–30)
Pop! Popcorn
The hand-play song “Pop! Popcorn” is a great activity for babies.
You hold your baby on your lap and move your knees while singing.
The music has a fun, rock ’n’ roll vibe that makes it even more enjoyable.
Give it a try!
The Three Little Pigs
Enjoy a familiar picture book story through a hand play activity! Here’s a hand play version of “The Three Little Pigs.” Let’s act out the story with hand motions: the piglets gather materials and build their own houses, and then the wolf arrives.
When the wolf shows up, some children might get scared and shout, “Eek!” But the story ends with a reassuring “What a relief!” so everyone can enjoy the hand play.
Give it a try!
Even with just one, it’s a carrot.
Perfect for learning numbers! Let me introduce the hand game “Ippon demo Ninjin.” It’s great for learning the concept of numbers, and the humor in the lyrics makes it a wonderful hand game! As you count, different items appear in rhythm, making it a fun activity.
It’s also unique that the next number is hidden within the lyrics, which helps children learn numbers and words while enjoying the song.
The choreography is easy for kids to imitate, too.
Be sure to incorporate it into your activities!
Peekaboo! Wow!
Let’s enjoy a variety of cheerful “Good morning” greetings! Here’s a hand game from “Peek-a-boo, Wow!” to try.
“Good morning” is an important greeting that marks the start of the day, isn’t it? Many people feel they can kick off their day with energy just by hearing these words.
The charm of this hand game is that you can express a lively “Good morning” with clapping and body movements! Through the hand game and the “Good morning” greeting, you’ll be able to spend each day with a positive mindset.
It’s a perfect activity for morning circle time!
I love rice balls.
I wonder what’s inside the rice balls? Let me introduce the hand game “I Love Onigiri.” It’s also nice to start with an opening like, “What filling do you all like in your onigiri?” This hand game features animals like rabbits and monkeys, so it’s likely to capture children’s interest! And what’s more, each rice ball has a surprising something inside! It could be fun to have the children imagine and answer what’s inside as an added twist.
Be sure to give it a try.