Finger plays for nursery and kindergarten

What this book is like

This is a collection of traditional finger plays—short, rhyming verses meant to be recited while children act out the motions with their hands. Originally published for nursery and kindergarten use, the book pairs simple, rhythmic text with practical instructions for gestures, making it a hands-on resource for caregivers and teachers. The tone is cheerful and instructional, rooted in the late-19th-century kindergarten movement, with each play designed to channel restless energy into coordinated, imaginative movement.

Adults who work with young children—parents, grandparents, early educators, or librarians—will find this most useful. Listening to it as an audiobook works well because the rhymes are meant to be heard and repeated, though you’ll need to pause and practice the motions yourself. Expect clear, simple verses that invite participation rather than passive listening, and a glimpse into how play was once formalized for early learning.