The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

Understands spoken words
(receptive language)
Activities and Strategies
for Development
Where Is Thumbkin?
Teach a small group this favorite finger play that invites them to learn funny
names for their fingers and respond to the questioning phrase, “Where is….?”
Hold up your hand with thumb and four fingers extended.
Name each and wiggle them in turn: Thumbkin, Pointer, Tall Man, Ring Man, Baby,
the Whole Family (all five!).
Show the children how to close their fists and place both hands behind their
back.
Sing this song together and make movements as though the fingers on each hand
are talking to each other:
“Where is Thumpkin?
Where is Thumpkin?
Here I am, Here I am
How are you today, Sir?
Very well, I thank you,
Run away, Run away!”
(Repeat and show each finger extended in turn.)
Special Needs Tip
Children who have limited finger dexterity can place their hands
palm to palm with the teacher’s hand. As you sing each verse,
the teacher can tap the child’s thumbs and fingers. On the last
verse, “run away,” the teacher can cover the child’s fingers to
make them “hide.”
197