Suggestions for Teaching Rhymes, Finger Plays and Action Songs
 

For any of you out there working with young children for the first time here is a simple teaching method you can employ with your younger students. If you have never worked with finger rhymes of with young children it can be a daunting task to launch forth into a new realm of reality.
I hope these simple steps will make your teaching more joyful.

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.

Have fun, Relax and enjoy