The Giant Hand Waves, Counts and Claps

In groups of six, one child is the palm and five are the fingers of a giant hand that waves, makes a fist, counts from one to five and high-fives another hand. It builds body knowledge, counting and coordinated movement.

How to play

1. Look at our hands: five fingers and a palm. Let's make a giant hand! (1 min).
2. In groups of six, one is the palm, standing, and five are the fingers fanned out in front, each with a name: thumb, pointer, middle, ring and pinkie (2 min).
3. The hand waves by swaying the fingers side to side, then makes a fist: all the fingers crouch down (2 min).
4. The hand counts: the fingers stand up one by one while we all say the number (3 min).
5. Switch fingers so everyone gets to be the palm or the thumb (1 min).
6. Two giant hands come together and clap: the fingers high-five the kids across from them, very gently (3 min).

Rules

• Each finger knows its name.
• I stand up only when it's my turn to count.
• In the clap, I high-five gently.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the child is the palm from their wheelchair and gives the fingers their commands.
• Hearing loss: the teacher shows the number on their own hand and the giant hand copies it.
• Less skilled children: the pinkie just goes on tiptoe or crouches, with no moving around.

Learning goals

• Learn the names of the fingers.
• Link movement and counting.
• Make a group shape that moves together.

Teacher tip

Set the fingers in their fan before starting, marking their spots if needed. Counting one by one is tricky; name the finger that stands up so nobody jumps ahead.

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