Inside: A handy collection of children’s rhymes, finger plays and action songs, sorted by theme.
So many of the nursery rhymes and traditional songs we sing to our children have been shared between parents or teachers and children for hundreds of years. It really is impossible to know when the verbal sharing of the nursery rhymes we know today began but scholars claim the tradition has been documented back to the 16th Century.
But why are children’s rhymes and finger plays so important?
These simple children’s songs and rhymes introduce young children to vocabulary and language patterns such as rhythm, rhyme and alliteration, important as a foundation to later literacy learning.
They help children to learn basic concepts such as letter names, colours and numbers and their simple movements develop co-ordination both hand:eye, and whole body. Plus the use of actions in finger plays and action songs is a great way to get the wiggles out when faced with a class of preschoolers or kindergartners!
Now onto the list…
Concept Rhymes and Songs for Preschool & Kindergarten
15 Preschool Counting Songs, Fingerplays & Rhymes (with printable rhyme list)
Learning About Shapes: 20 Rhymes, Action Songs & Finger Plays
30 Preschool Color Action Songs, Finger Plays & Rhymes
9 Fun Versions of the Alphabet Song
Rhymes & Songs for Common Themes
7 Family Themed Finger Plays and Action Songs
20 Songs and Fingerplays for Spring & Autumn/Fall (with printable song cards)
Did you know? The first nursery rhyme to be published in print is believed to be Mary Had a Little Lamb. It was published as an original poem by Sarah Josepha Hale on May 24, 1830, and is believed to be inspired by an actual event. As a girl, Mary Sawyer kept a pet lamb, which she took to school one day at the suggestion of her brother. Of course, this ended in the chaos and calamity of the song!
Children’s Rhymes and Songs for the Holidays
10 Easter Songs & Rhymes for Preschool and Kindergarten
12 Christmas Action Songs & Fingerplays for Preschool & Kindergarten
10 Fun Christmas Songs for Toddlers & Preschoolers
12 Christmas Brain Breaks: Songs & Dances to Get Kids Moving
Great Printable Rhymes & Songs Resources
Five Cheeky Monkeys Printable Puppets
Five Green Frogs Printable Puppets
Five Little Ducks Printable Puppets
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
