Finger rhymes hold a special place in early childhood education, closely aligning with Friedrich Froebel’s concept of “mother songs” or Mutter-und Kose-Lieder. Froebel, the pioneering educationalist, believed that these songs and activities were crucial in nurturing a child’s emotional and cognitive growth directly through their earliest interactions with their mother.
Finger rhymes continue this tradition by serving as tools for intimate, playful interaction between educators and children. They create opportunities for young learners to experience direct, personal connections while engaging in the shared joy of rhythmic language and movement. This hands-on involvement is essential in fostering not just cognitive development, but also emotional security, trust, and a sense of belonging—key elements that Froebel championed as foundational to early education.
Our downloadable resource features 10 beautifully illustrated finger rhymes that are perfect for fostering these deep connections. Through these activities, children internalise concepts and feelings that support their holistic development, embodying Froebel’s vision of education as an extension of the mother’s nurturing.
Use this resource to:
- Discover new rhymes to bring to your setting
- Share with families so that the experience can be continued at home
- Embed shared singing sessions as part of everyday interactions
