Mansfield Mothers’ Club: Presidential Fingerplays

We hope this school vacation week has been relaxing and fun for kids and kind to parents! (ahem) We’d planned to post this earlier in the week, but well, you know, did we mention we have kids home from schools and classes this week??

Here are some ideas for fingerplays you can do with the younger set. Perfect for filling in downtime while waiting on line at the store, at the doctor’s office, or just sharing some smiles during long, snow-soaked days. Thanks to our newsletter writer who found these seasonal diddies:

George Washington
A very old legend tells me (point to self)

George Washington cut down a cherry tree.(pretend to chop)

Because he would not tell a lie, (shake head side- ways)

When asked who did this terrible deed, (deep voice,place hands on hips)
He said, "Dear Father, it was I." (point to self)
Although this story is only a legend, (shake head sideways)

It reminds me that George Washington
Was a brave and honest man!

George Washington, Part 2
My hat it has 3 corners. (form triangle above head). Three corners has my hat.

If it did not have 3 corners, (raise 3 fingers)
It would not be my hat (shake head sideways)

Abraham Lincoln
Through hard work, skill, & determination. (wipe forehead)

Lincoln became one of America's greatest men. (one finger)
He was a peace-loving man who was just. (hand to heart)

Equal rights for all was a must! (spread arms)

Presidents' Day
(sung to the tune of "My Country Tis of Thee”)
Lincoln and Washington,
They are remembered on Presidents' Day.

Two men in history.
Who gave us liberty.
Honor their memories.
On this great day!

Can you find 300 uses for a peanut?
(sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
Can you find 300 uses for a peanut?
 Can you find 300 uses for a peanut?
 Can you find 300 uses, can you find 300 uses, Can you find 300 uses for a peanut?
George Washington Carver did -- hip, hooray! George Washington Carver did -- hip, hooray! George Washington Carver did! George Washington Carver did!
George Washington Carver did -- hip, hooray!

We Are Much the Same
(sung to the tune of "Skip to My Lou")
You may have light skin, I may have dark;
 You may have long hair, I may have short;
You may have blue eyes, I may have brown:
 It really doesn't matter.
(Spoken) Why?
'Cause underneath our skin, we're much the same,
Underneath our skin, we're much the same. Underneath our skin, we're much the same. And that's what really matters.
When we're hungry, we both want to eat. When we're thirsty, we both want a drink. When we're tired, we both want a bed. We are much the same.
When we're happy, we both smile.
When we're sad, we both cry.
When we're scared, we both want a friend. We are much the same.

Have any other games to share? Comment here!

Jessica Symonds is president of The Mansfield Mothers' Club, a non-profit organization aimed at providing support for local parents. For more information visit http://mansfieldmothersclub.com, email mansfieldmothersclub@gmail.com or write to Mansfield Mothers' Club, P.O. Box 831, Mansfield, MA 02048.