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Fingers and toes

Activity

Fingers and toes

What to do with this activity?

Have lots of fun together playing with your baby's fingers and toes.  Through touch a baby discovers different textures or variations of temperature and begins to understand their world.

Fingers and toes are a great counting tool of course. Even at this early stage your little one can become familiar with the names of the numbers up to five, although they won't be able to count for a long time yet. Gently twiddle each finger or toe and count up to five - "one little finger, two little fingers..." 

Then play this classic game with your baby, gently tweaking one toe or finger at a time:

This little piggy went to market (start with the big toe or thumb)
This little piggy stayed at home
This little piggy had roast beef (or pizza or whatever you like)
This little piggy had none 
And this little piggy cried "wee, wee, wee, wee" all the way home.
(On the last line gently twiddle the smallest finger or toe, then run up their arm with your fingers and tickle them under the arm). 

 

 

 

 

  • Why am I doing this?

    Children learn about numbers in a natural way through play and by counting real things in their everyday lives. The repetition of numbers in a fun way helps children remember the sequence of 1, 2, 3. Movement and rhymes also make it easier for a child to remember sounds – that’s why nursery rhymes are so great.

  • How can I do more?

    When out shopping, count food items with your child as you put them into your trolley. If you’re saying a nursery rhyme why not shake a plastic bottle filled with rice or small stones to the rhythm to make more noise.

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