fingerplay

thumb|Children playing This Little Pig.

Fingerplay, commonly seen in early childhood, is hand action or movement combined with singing or spoken-words to engage the child's interest. According to Erikson, many children develop autonomy and "want to learn and imitate the activities and behavior of others". According to Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing, "gestures precedes speech and in this way a child communicates satisfactorily". From ages three to four, children become active listeners and can control their eyes, body, and attention on the teacher.