The power of the 'Finger family song'

When we think of hand strengthening exercises through play for children, we commonly turn to playdoh, threading beads, and throwing balls..

Let's not forget the vital role of hand actions here. Many nursery rhymes have their own hand movement dances. Who can forget the classic incy wincy spider. The day a child learns the climbing up the spout movements without tangling their fingers up is a day of celebration. 

Think of the simple movements for the finger family. It may irritate you immensely as an adult, it may be an boring song. The hand movements are however pure gold. 

They are a great step towards dexterity required for the 1-5 fingers, used in playing the piano or keyboard and for using fingers for maths sums. This is even before the training for writing.

Xander made this connection the other day. He was so excited when he realised that he could move his fingers independently to count and he made the link back to the finger family song.