Fingers
Let’s talk about fingers today!
1. Hold your child’s hand and touch his fingers. Hold each one individually and begin talking about them. Name each one (thumb, pointer, middle finger, ring finger and pinky) and tell you child what they are. Talk about the bones, muscles, skin, knuckles and fingernails – all the parts that make up a finger!
2. Talk to him about what you can do with your fingers. Think about as many different things as you can and pay attention to what you do with your hands and fingers throughout the day. Tell him each time you think of something new you’re doing with your fingers.
3. The amazing thumb! Talk about your thumbs and the word “opposable.” Thumbs are one of the biggest differences between humans and other animals so talk about how thumbs allow us to pick things up, why that is so important, and how it has helped humans evolve.
4. Another fun thing to talk about is sign language. Introduce your child to some simple signs, if you know them. Even counting with your fingers is a simplified form of sign language. My ten-month old boy loves to watch me count with my fingers as I name the numbers and loves to watch other signs, as well.
Questions to ask your child:
1. What do you like to do with your fingers?
2. Why are thumbs so important?
3. How many fingers do you have?
Words:
finger, thumb, hand, opposable, pick up, grasp, clasp, point, poke, flick, snap, clap, fist, punch, caress, pet, type, play instruments, count, sign