10 Fantastic fingerplays and songs for the holidays

Make your holiday program one to remember with these fun and interactive songs!

We are often asked for Christmas song recommendations.  Today, we would like to share a few of our favorites.  Whether it be just for fun or for a Christmas program, these songs and fingerplays are sure to get kids singing along…

Five Little Gingerbread

Five little gingerbread lying on a tray,

One jumped up and ran away,

shouting “Catch me, catch me, catch me if you can…

I run really fast, I’m the gingerbread man!”

Continue counting down until there are none left

No more gingerbread lying on a tray.

They all jumped up and ran away!

This is a fun song to use with props.  A cookie sheet with felt or paper gingerbread men are a cute visual.  

The Mitten in the Snow

Sung to the tune of The farmer in the dell.

The mitten in the snow,

the mitten in the snow

Help us please so we don’t freeze

the mitten in the snow.

A __________ squeezes in,

a__________ squeezes in,

Help us please so we don’t freeze

The mitten in the snow.

A great prop for this song is a large mitten made of felt or fleece.  Add your favorite stuffed animals or puppets to the mitten as you sing.  

Snowflakes

Sung to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Begin in a standing position, with hands in the air.

Snowflakes, snowflakes dance around,

Dance and spin around in circles.

Snowflakes, snowflakes touch the ground.

Wiggle your fingers, then touch them to the floor.

Snowflakes, snowflakes in the air,

Repeat movements.  

Snowflakes, snowflakes everywhere.

Snowflakes, snowflakes dance around,

Snowflakes, snowflakes touch the ground.

The Snowman

Roll the snow into some balls.

Make a rolling motion with your hands.

Make a snowman, oh so tall!

Stand tall and stretch your arms over your head.

Place a hat upon his head.

Pretend to put a hat on your head.

Give him buttons that are red.

Point to the buttons on your shirt.

Use some coal to make his eyes.

Point to your eyes.

You can do it if you try!

Next he needs a carrot nose.

Point to your nose.

Where will we get one of those?

Shrug shoulders and put your hands up.

Make a mouth and he’ll be done.

Use your index fingers to point to your smile.

Making snowmen is such fun!

Ring the Bells

Sung to the tune of “Jimmy crack corn.”

Ring those bells and turn around

Ring those bells and turn around.

Ring those bells and turn around.

For Christmas time is near.

(repeat and change the words to any action)

Ring those bells and stomp your feet.

(Then we ended with…)

Ring those bells quietly.

Ring those bells quietly.

Ring those bells quietly.

For Christmas time is near.

What Goes Twinkle in the Night?

What goes twinkle in the night?

Twinkle, twinkle star so bright.

What goes twinkle in the night?

Twinkle, twinkle candle light.

What goes twinkle in the night?

Twinkling is a beautiful sight.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

We wish you a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Let’s all do a little clapping,

Let’s all do a little clapping,

Let’s all do a little clapping,

To spread Christmas cheer!

Repeat “We wish you a Merry Christmas” 3x, then add other action verses such as jumping, stomping, or turning, alternating with “We wish you a Merry Christmas.”

Four Little Bells

Four little bells,

Silver and round,

Each one makes a different sound.

Bell number one…

Ring-a-ling-a-ling!

Bell number two…

Ding-a-ling-a-ling!

Bell number three…

Ding-ding-dong!

Bell number four…

Bing-bang-bong!

Ring-a-ling-a-ling!

Ding-a-ling-a-ling!

Ding-ding-dong!

Bing-bang-bong!

Ten Little Candy Canes

Ten little candy canes,

With stripes of red and white.

I’ll lick, lick, lick, and

Chomp, chomp, chomp!

And one goes out of sight.

Repeat in descending order until there are no candy canes left.  Then rub your tummy and say,

Yummy!

The Reindeer Pokey

You put your right hoof in,

You put your right hoof out.

You put your right hoof in,

and you shake it all about!

You do the reindeer pokey,

and you turn yourself around.

That’s what it’s all about!

Continue with left hoof, right antler (using hands on head), left antler, tail, and red nose.

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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