Finger Numbers
Lesson Book page 4
- Which is the left hand? Which is the right?
- Finger numbers in each hand
what's new
- Distinguishing left from right hand
- Using each finger, in each hand, as called
what's important
let's get started
- Let's trace your hands. Which is your left hand? Which is your right?
- Let's number the fingers in each hand. (Begin with the left hand.)
- Put your hands together, fingertips touching. Tap the fingers I call out.
Children often forget which hand is which.
explore and create
Stick 'em up!
(On the traced hands) Paste a sticker over the finger that I ask for. Be sure to use the correct hand!Rings Around the Fingers
Put a ring on the hand and finger I call out. (See video)Rings Away!
(Have rings on all the fingers) Take the ring off each finger I call out. (See video)Tap Time
(On the fallboard or a table) Tap fingers number two … four … one. Don't forget—tap on the tips!Tricky Tap Time
(On fallboard or table) Left hand, finger three …
Right hand, finger one …
Left hand, finger five …
Tapping opposite fingers is an easy way to test finger numbers.
partner pages
Theory
p. 2 Finger Numbers
- The student identifies LH, RH, and fingers 1-2-3-4-5 through circling.
Technique & Artistry
pp. 4-5 Five Secrets for Piano Technique
- Making O's presents firm fingertips. The student makes an "O" by gently pressing the fingertip and thumb together. Different finger combinations are used: 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, and 5-1.
- Heavy Wet Ropes introduces arm weight by bringing the arms up in slow motion and dropping completely relaxed into the lap. This encourages students to be aware of the weight of their arms, as well as the tips of their fingers.
- Thumb Perch addresses wrist position through the angle of the thumb. Perching on the side tip keeps the wrist from sagging, and helps guarantee a round hand shape.
- These three secrets may be introduced at any time during the Lesson Book Unit 1, pp. 4-9.
pedagogy pointers
Which hand is which? Children often forget. They love to have their hands traced, and that's a good way to help them distinguish.
Since success at the keyboard involves playing with specific hands, as well as with both hands, knowing left from right must become second nature.
Finger numbers can be mixed up, too, especially in the left hand where finger number one is the thumb.
Tapping opposite matching pairs is an easy way to begin identifying and testing finger numbers because isometric activity is easy and natural.
When the hands are separated, responding with the correct finger can be more challenging.