Benefits of Fingerplay in Baby Development

Fingerplay, played using the hands and fingers, often accompanied by a story or song, offers numerous benefits for babies and children’s development.

Fingerplay is a fun and educational activity that supports children’s development in various ways, including language, motor skills, social-emotional skills, and cognitive development.

Language Development

• Strengthen language skills: Fingerplays involve movements that help develop language skills and vocabulary. For example, in the “Frogs” fingerplay, the word “jump” is used while making a jumping motion.
• Learn new words: Many fingerplays include words encountered in daily life, helping babies expand their vocabulary. For instance, in the “Ten Little Fingers” fingerplay, babies learn words like “thumb,” “index finger,” and others.
• Improve speech skills: Participating in fingerplays motivates babies to speak and aids in their speech development.

Motor Development

• Strengthen hand and finger muscles: The movements in fingerplays help develop hand and finger muscles.
• Develop hand-eye coordination: Following fingerplay movements improves hand-eye coordination.
• Enhance fine motor skills: Fingerplays help babies develop fine motor skills by requiring them to hold and move small objects.
• Support gross motor skills: Some fingerplays involve using feet and bodies and they support the development of gross motor skills.

Social and Emotional Development

• Promote interaction: Fingerplays are usually played with others and they encourage interaction and bonding.
• Teach emotions: Fingerplay can help babies understand and empathise with different emotions.
• Support social skills: Fingerplays help babies socialise and communicate with others.
• Encourage self-expression: Fingerplays provide a platform for babies to express themselves and develop their talents, boosting self-confidence.

Cognitive Development

• Learn concepts: Fingerplays often include stories and songs that teach concepts like numbers, shapes, colours, and sizes.
• Boost imagination and creativity: Fingerplays that involve imagining different situations support cognitive development.

When Choosing Fingerplays:

• Consider your baby’s age and development.
• Choose plays that attract your baby’s attention.
• Select plays that are entertaining.

You can enhance fingerplays with finger and hand puppets, and by using stories and songs creatively.

We hope you incorporate fingerplays into your daily routine to strengthen the bond with your baby, enjoy quality time together, and contribute to their development and skills.