Suggestions for Teaching Rhymes, Finger Plays and Action Songs

1. When teaching a new rhyme, finger play or song, letter a large sign or use pocket chart to serve as a teleprompter.
2. Be enthusiastic, use those songs that you enjoy.
3. Demonstrate appropriate actions as you say or sing the words to the group.
4. Replay the finger games encouraging the children to imitate only the action.
5. Do finger play again allowing those who wish to participate with both action and words.
6. Keep actions and words slow enough so that children do not have trouble keeping up.
7. Repeat Finger plays often enough for children to become familiar with them.
8. Occasionally send parents the words and music so they concurrently can be used at home.
9. Repeat old favorites.
10. Introduce variations or a new approach to an old favorite.