Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb



Last updated Sunday, March 3, 2019

Author: Al Perkins
Illustrator: Eric Gurney
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0394810767
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2019

Synopsis: A madcap band of dancing, prancing monkeys explain hands, fingers, and thumbs to beginning readers.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What's your favorite type of animal?
•  What do you use your hands for?
•  Have you ever played an instrument?
•  What type of instruments would like to play?

Vocabulary

•  drum - A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylinder or hemisphere with a membrane stretched tightly over one or both ends, played by beating with the hands or sticks.
•  millions - An indefinitely large number. Often used in the plural: millions of bicycles on the road.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How many monkeys were at the beginning of the story? How many at the end?
•  What types of things did the monkeys do?
•  Were the monkeys having a good time? How? Why?

Craft ideas:
•  Make paper drums. Cover the end of rolled paper or paper towel roll with tissue paper or paper bag.
•  Make paper monkey masks.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2019-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Sing "heads, shoulders, knees, and toes" song.
•  Make monkey noises like in the book.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!