Five Little Leaves (fingerplay)

I found “Five Little Leaves“ in a great collection edited by Anna Rainville Hayes called “Singing Games for Families, Schools, and Communities.“ (More information available at: ) It’s a great fingerplay; everybody loves the whooshing “Brother Wind“ (or Sister, or Grandma, etc, as appropriate for your audience). But, what was really valuable was Ms. Hayes’ suggestion that you start with the fingerplay and eventually turn the activity into a game or a dramatic play. She has some great ideas for how you might structure the game, but I tend to just say, “Hey, this time, can someone be the wind? Who could be the leaves?“ and see what comes of it. It’s also a nice opportunity to include instruments. What sounds do we need for playful leaves? How about the whooshing wind? Throw in some scarves, and voila! You’re ready for Broadway, baby. Lyrics: Five little leaves so happy and gay, Were dancing about on the tree one day. Old Brother Wind came whooshing through the town, And one little leaf came tumbling down. Four little leaves... etc. #singalong #kidssongs #songsforkids #preschoolmusic