Alright, so I realize “Fingerplay Friday” has a nicer ring to it, but hey- it’s Tuesay. And I’ve got a fingerplay for ya.
I use various fingerplays (think Itsy Bitsy Spider; song plus hand movements) throughout my baby and toddler programs. They are a great way to engage children both aurally and visually. And it’s fun to see toddlers begin to pick up the hand motions as the sessions progress.
Today’s fingerplay is “Two Little Blackbirds.” The first verse of this one was taught to me by my friend and mentor, Jolie. I’ve been using it for quite some time when last week a caregiver approached me at the end of the program. Her grandmother had taught her a longer version as a child.
Here is the version I now use, thanks to both Jolie and my new friend Mary:
Two Little Blackbirds
Two little blackbirds (hold up both thumbs)
sitting on a hill,
One named Jack (wiggle one thumb),
and one named Jill (wiggle other thumb).
Fly away Jack (hide 1st thumb behind back),
and fly away Jill (hide 2nd thumb behind back).
Come back Jack (bring out thumb),
and come back Jill! (bring back thumb)
Two little blackbirds (hold up both thumbs)
sitting on a car,
one named Near (hold thumb close to body)
and one named Far (hold other thumb away from body).
Fly away Near (hide 1st thumb behind back),
and fly away Far (hide 2nd thumb behind back).
Come back Near (bring out 1st thumb),
and come back Far! (bring out 2nd thumb)
Two little blackbirds (hold up both thumbs)
sitting on a cloud,
one named Quiet (whisper)
and one named Loud! (shout)
Fly away Quiet (hide 1st thumb behind back),
and fly away Loud (hide 2nd thumb behind back).
Come back Quiet (bring back thumb)
and come back Loud! (bring back thumb)
