Finger games are a delightful way to engage children in learning English. These activities are not only entertaining but also help in developing language skills, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities. This article provides detailed lesson plans for creative English finger games suitable for kids.
Introduction
Finger games are a traditional form of play that has stood the test of time. They are an excellent tool for language learning, as they encourage children to use their hands to mimic words and phrases. This article will guide you through creating engaging and educational finger games that can be used in the classroom or at home.
Lesson Plan 1: The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Objective
To teach children the song “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” and reinforce vocabulary related to weather and nature.
Materials
- A finger puppet of a spider
- Pictures or flashcards of a spider, rain, sun, and the garden
- A hand mirror
Activities
Introduction: Begin by introducing the song “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Explain that the song is about a spider that climbs up the water spout and then comes down when it rains.
Action Song: Teach the children the song, using the finger puppet to act out the spider climbing up and down the spout. Encourage the children to mimic the actions with their hands.
Vocabulary Reinforcement: After singing the song, show the pictures or flashcards of a spider, rain, sun, and the garden. Ask the children to point to the correct picture as you sing the song.
Reflection: Discuss the song with the children, asking them to retell the story using their own words.
Extension
- Create a storybook using the song and the pictures, encouraging children to illustrate the scenes.
Lesson Plan 2: Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
Objective
To introduce the concept of counting and reinforce the numbers 1 to 5.
Materials
- A finger puppet of a monkey
- Pictures or flashcards of monkeys
- A hand mirror
Activities
Introduction: Start by explaining that the song “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” is about five monkeys who jump on a bed and then fall off.
Action Song: Teach the children the song, using the finger puppet to act out the monkeys jumping on the bed. Encourage the children to mimic the actions with their hands.
Counting Game: After singing the song, ask the children to count the monkeys as you point to the pictures or flashcards. Repeat the process with each number from 1 to 5.
Reflection: Ask the children to retell the story, using the numbers 1 to 5 in their sentences.
Extension
- Create a counting book using the song and the pictures, encouraging children to count and identify the monkeys on each page.
Lesson Plan 3: The ABCs of Fingers
Objective
To teach children the alphabet through finger play.
Materials
- A hand mirror
- A list of the alphabet written on a whiteboard or paper
Activities
Introduction: Explain that you will be teaching the alphabet using finger play. Show the children how to form each letter with their fingers.
Finger Play: Go through each letter of the alphabet, showing the children how to form it with their fingers. Encourage them to mimic the movements.
Alphabet Game: Ask the children to form the letters of their names with their fingers. If they get stuck, help them by showing the correct finger formation.
Reflection: Discuss the alphabet with the children, asking them to name each letter and tell you where they can find it in their home or classroom.
Extension
- Create an alphabet chart using finger play, with each letter illustrated by a child’s finger formation.
Conclusion
Finger games are a fun and effective way to teach English to kids. By incorporating these creative lesson plans into your curriculum, you can help children develop their language skills while enjoying the process. Remember to adapt the activities to fit the needs and interests of your students, and have fun with it!