
FINGER PLAYS - FOR NURSERY AND KINDERGARTEN - By Emilie Poulsson - Music By Cornelia C. Roeske - Illustrations By L.J. Bridgman
PREFACE.
THE MERRY LITTLE MEN.
THE LAMBS.
THE HEN AND CHICKENS.
THE LITTLE PLANT.
THE PIGS.
A LITTLE BOY’S WALK.
THE CATERPILLAR.
ALL FOR BABY.
A delightful collection of simple songs and movements, this book invites the youngest learners to explore language through the natural joy of finger‑plays. Each rhyme is paired with clear, charming illustrations that show exactly how tiny hands should gesture, turning everyday scenes—like bustling farms or fluttering birds—into lively, hands‑on experiences. The accompanying melodies are easy for little voices to follow, encouraging confidence in both singing and rhythmic coordination.
Designed for both nursery infants and early‑grade children, the selections grow with the child, offering gentle exercises that strengthen tiny fingers while sparking imagination. Parents and teachers will find straightforward guidance for each piece, making it quick to introduce new verses without extensive preparation. As children clap, pat, and point along with the verses, they develop fine‑motor skills, rhythm, and a sense of storytelling that lays a foundation for later learning.
Language
en
Duration
~27 minutes (26K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Linda Cantoni, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. Music transcribed by Linda Cantoni. This e-book was created from a 1971 reprint published by Dover Publications, Inc., New York.
Release date
Mar 24, 2008
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1853–1939
A lively children's writer and early education advocate, she helped popularize kindergarten songs, stories, and finger plays in the United States. Her work was shaped by a deep interest in how very young children learn through rhythm, movement, and play.
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