What to do with this activity?
Tommy Thumb is a traditional action rhyme that gives each finger a different name. Your toddler might enjoy wiggling each finger in turn and will probably try to sing along. Talk with your child about what each finger can do and how they got their names. Writing and drawing are some of the things their little fingers will be able to do in the future.
Check out the words below. Notice that the chorus "here I am, here I am ..." is the same each time, but wiggling a different finger.
Tommy Thumb, Tommy Thumb where are you?
Here I am, here I am, how do you do? (wiggle their thumb)
Peter Pointer, Peter Pointer where are you? (wiggle pointing finger at the chorus)
Toby Tall, Toby Tall where are you? (wiggle their middle finger at the chorus)
Ruby Ring, Ruby Ring where are you? (wiggle their ring finger at the chorus)
Baby Small, Baby Small where are you? (wiggle their little finger at the chorus)
Fingers all, fingers all where are you? (wiggle all the fingers on the last chorus)
Click on the yellow activity link below for a youtube video of the rhyme.
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Why am I doing this?
Learning to move, reach and grasp helps children develop the muscles and skills to scribble and learn to write when they get older. Body awareness and learning to do big movements (like crawling and walking) and small movements like the pincer movement (where you lift up things with your index finger and thumb) are important parts of your child's development. It is part of awakening and developing your brain. For your young child, reaching for objects helps build their coordination and will help them hold crayons later on.
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How can I do more?
Have fun with your child dancing to music. This helps their coordination. If your child is moving their arms or body at all they are dancing!
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