SLP 2017 Fingerplays

Fingerplays are a lot like superfoods: they are rich in the kinds of activities youngsters need for healthy development.  For example, fingerplays offer an opportunity for one-on-one time with your little one; they support muscle development (in the fingers as well as the rest of the body!); they feature rhymes which help your little one distinguish the sounds of our language; they often are set to music, adding another dimension to your child's experience; they reinforce your child's ever-expanding vocabulary; and they encourage number recognition and counting (Five Little Ducks, Ten in the Bed, etc.).  These are just a few of the wonderful outcomes you may notice as you enjoy sharing fingerplays with your child!

The titles listed below are in the collection at Bellevue Public Library.  At the end of the post you will also find links to several website devoted to fingerplays.



1001 Rhymes and Fingerplays by Totline (371.33 ONE) Adult Nonfiction

This comprehensive book includes a variety of rhymes and poems for all reasons and seasons. It also includes subject and first-line indexes.























The Bilingual Book of Rhymes, Songs, Stories and Fingerplays by Pam Schiller  (428.2461 SCH) Adult Nonfiction


With Spanish and English on each page, this collection of over 450 rhymes, songs, stories, and fingerplays provides the opportunity for building vocabulary and exploring the sounds of language-important skills for beginning readers!

Fingerplays and Songs for the Very Young by Carolyn Croll (BOARD BOOK)

A sturdy board book includes more than twenty-five favorite fingerplays, nursery rhymes, and action songs guaranteed to get giggles and have babies and toddlers playing along.

Little Hands Fingerplays and Action Songs by Emily Stetson 
(793.4 STE) Juvenile Nonfiction

A collection of action songs and rhyming games which encourage children to stretch their bodies and minds.

Too Many Rabbits and Other Fingerplays About Nature, Weather, and the Universe by Kay Cooper (371.332 COO) Juvenile Nonfiction

A collection of 22 fingerplays with easy-to-follow instructions. Each rhyme is accompanied by bold collage artwork and a paragraph of basic information.

Wee Sing in the Car by Pamela Conn Beall (KIT E/WEE)

Features 60 sing-along songs, tongue-twisters, songs, and fingerplays.




































The internet is packed with website featuring fingerplays.  Here is just a sampling: 

Dr. Jean

Storytime Katie

Toronto Public Library

If you find a fingerplay you really like, but aren't sure how it is sung or acted out, you may be able to find it demonstrated on YouTube.