Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten

Hand actions set to a song or other recital, finger plays help develop understanding, dexterity, and graphic sense in children. This Victorian classic features 18 finger plays for ages one to eight that teach counting, nature lore, and home activities. Includes "The Little Men," "All for Baby," "A Little Boy's Walk," and more. The book features 53 illustrations.

What the child imitates, says Froebel, he begins to understand. Let him represent the flying of birds and he enters partially into the life of birds. Let him imitate the rapid motion of fishes in the water and his sympathy with fishes is quickened. Let him reproduce the activities of farmer, miller and baker, and his eyes open to the meaning of their work. In one word let him reflect in his play the varied aspects of life and his thought will begin to grapple with their significance. In all times and among all nations, finger-plays have been a delight of childhood. Countless babies have laughed and crowed over Pat-a-cake and other performances of the soft little hands; while children of whatever age never fail to find amusement in playing. The eighteen finger-plays contained in this book have already, through publication in Babyland, been introduced to their especial public, and have been much used in homes, though perhaps more in kindergartens. It will readily be seen that while some of the plays are for the babies in the nursery, others are more suitable for older children.