Looking for ways to keep little ones entertained during wiggly moments and doesn’t involve technology? We LOVE songs at my house, and Spanish Christian finger plays are the next best thing now that my daughter is a toddler and can do the motions as well. You’ll find us singing these during diaper changes, while she’s waiting for us to finish dinner, while waiting in a long line, and more moments than my mommy brain can recall.
As we are a bilingual-Spanish speaking Christian household, Spanish fingerplays that increase my child’s vocabulary and teach her about Christ’s love are ones that we cling to and sing a lot. Plus, I’m always trying to add more catchy songs to my mental list that we can sing during those moments when she most has the wiggles and can distract her and it doesn’t involve me having to pull out a device.
Additionally, research shows that a child retains vocabulary more through direct active interaction (like when playing with you) than through passive interaction (watching songs on a tv). So fingerplays are the perfect way to teach vocabulary as you’re directly interacting with your child while singing and doing the actions with them. Also, when he actions are meaningful and act out what the word means, it helps your child learn that vocabulary.
Finger plays also incorporate 5 of the 7 main learning styles: auditory/musical, verbal, interpersonal, kinesthetic, visual. So whether you know what your child’s learning style is or not yet, your child will most likely learn a lot while having fun with finger plays!
Jesus Calms The Storm Finger Play
I’ve made up one for you all based on Mark 4:35-41 when Jesus calms the storm. It’s sung to the tune of “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring”. Sing the words in bold while following the actions in parentheses.
“Que Feliz Estoy” Finger Play
Another Spanish song with motions that we are working on learning is “Que feliz estoy”. This song is an oldie but a goodie! It celebrates Jesus’s redemptive work in our lives. Celebrate that with your child with this song.
Also check out this video to familiarize yourself with the song. Note that my motions are different though.
“Tengo un Amigo que Me Ama” Finger Play
This song is so catchy, and that’s why I love it! Once you listen to it once or twice, you won’t have to find a device to sing along to it anymore. If you need the lyrics for future reference, I have provided them below. Since the motions are pretty easy, I’ve just included a video for you to watch and learn from.
Oraré a Jesús
This song is great to sing and do the actions to at about any time, but it’s also great to teach kids the posture of prayer. Do let me clarify though that I don’t think there’s only one correct posture we can take when talking to God. I think we can talk to Him while walking, doing the dishes, changing a diaper, you name it, but praying with our eyes closed and hands folded does help limit us from distractions and is worth teaching our children. This song can be especially great during nighttime routine when getting ready to pray if someone still has the wiggles.
“Mi Jesús es Maravilloso” Finger Play
This song is another wonderful song to celebrate how God created us and practice body part vocabulary in Spanish! It’s also another sweet song that ends with the child in a traditional posture for prayer.
More resources on teaching body part vocabulary in Spanish can be found on my post Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas y Pies…y más Body Parts in Spanish.
I hope that these Spanish Christian finger plays are just as fun for your family as they are for mine. Comment below on which one is your favorite. Share with me other favorites your family has too!
