Teaching Methods
This Month's Teaching Method:
Fingerplays
Fingers and hands are used to act out a truth or story.
In Choosing Teaching Methods consider your group factors:
Click on a factor or scroll down.
Group size
This method can be done one-on-one or with a group of any size.
Resources needed
No materials are needed other than God-given fingers and hands.
Objective targeted
Fingerplays may help reinforce Bible truth and doctrine. They may be a good tool to increase memorization of a Bible verse or song. Telling a story with fingerplays helps make the acquisition of knowledge fun.
Use modeled
Fingerplays have been a common practice with young children through nursery rhymes such as "Pat-a-cake."
Proximity of others
As children get excited they may get noisier but using fingerplays shouldn't be too disruptive for nearby classes. If accompanied by singing, the volume will get louder.
Finances needed
No costs are involved in the use of this method unless you wish to purchase a book for yourself with ideas for fingerplays.
Finger Play Activitiesby Lynette Pennings
My First Bible Verses: Finger Plays for God's Wordby Christine Suguitan
Age level
Fingerplays are best used with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who love and need repetition and movement. They can, however, be used effectively on occasion with older ages including adults. You can use this method frequently with young children.
Categorization
This method is expressional though usually rote.
Time required
The greatest amount of time will be needed to help students learn the fingerplays. Actual use will tend to be short, particularly with younger children, due to their limited attention spans. You can, however, come back to the same fingerplay often with young children.
Openness of group
Young children find fingerplays to be very enjoyable. Older students may initially be skeptical but once they get going, usually enjoy an opportunity to get involved through movement and rhythm.
Room size
This method can be done right where students are and requires no extra space as they are only moving their fingers and hands.
Scroll down for training on
how to use this method.


