Learning about families is common in preschool and kindergarten programs as children learn to appreciate that each and every child and family is unique and special. Today I have collected together seven family-themed fingerplays and action songs that make a great addition to circle times – and are just plain fun to sing anytime!
7 Family Themed Finger Plays and Action Songs
Some Families
Some families are large (spread arms out wide)
Some families are small (bring arms close together)
But I love my family (cross arms over chest) best of all!
With My Family
(Sung to the tune of The Muffin Man)
Tell me what you like to do
Like to do, like to do.
Tell me what you like to do
With your family.
(Sally*) likes to (go swimming**)
Go swimming, go swimming.
Sally likes to go swimming
With her family.
* insert child’s name
** insert chosen activity
My Mom and Dad
(Sung to the tune of Bingo)
I have a very special friend
And Mommy is her name-o.
M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y, M-O-M-M-Y,
And Mommy is her name-o
I have a very special friend
And Daddy is his name-o.
D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y,
And Daddy is his name-o
Hugs and Kisses
(Sung to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel)
(Daddy*) here’s a hug for you (hug self),
And lots of kisses too (blow kisses).
Each hug and kiss you get today
Says that I love you!
* insert name of family member
I Love You!
(Sung to the tune of You are my Sunshine)
I love you (Mommy*)
My dearest Mommy,
You make me happy
When I am sad.
I want to tell you
I really love you!
When I’m with you,
I’m so glad.
* insert name of family member
These are Grandma’s Glasses
Recite first verse in a high pitched voice:
These are Grandma’s glasses (Make glasses over eyes with fingers)
This is Grandma’s hat (Place hands on top of head)
And this is the way she folds her hands (Clasp hands together)
And lays them in her lap (Place hands in lap).
Recite second verse in a deep voice:
These are Grandpa’s glasses (Make bigger glasses shapes over eyes with fingers)
This is Grandpa’s hat (Place hands over head to form a large hat)
And this is the way he folds his arms (Cross arms)
And takes a little nap (Place head on arms as if sleeping).
A House for Me
This is a nest for Mr. Bluebird (cup hands together)
This is a hive for Mrs. Bee (make a fist)
This is a hole for bunny rabbit (make a circle with thumb and forefinger)
And this is a house for me (place fingertips together to form a roof peak over head).
Do you have any favorite family themed action songs or finger plays?
These songs go great with our Families Thematic Mini – Unit! Learn more about what’s inside it here.Â
Contributing Author:
Christie Burnett is the teacher, author, and blogger behind the playful online space known as Childhood 101. Christie’s passion for play and creativity led her to start her award-winning blog shortly after the birth of her first daughter. Nowadays she can typically be found juggling the demands of family life with time tapping away at her keyboard, at least when she hasn’t just dropped it all to join her daughters in whatever their latest game or project might be! Connect with Christie on her blog or via Facebook.
R Haq says
Ohh, Interesting and Helpful.
Jem Tumbaga says
This can be a great activity! I’m really looking for this, because this can be use in our program with street children. I’m part of NGO in the Philippines called Childhope Philippines, who work to promote the welfare, uphold, and protect children’s rights, particularly children in street situations. And this is very helpful for us, thanks for this one!