Hobbies And Interests
Stories
Strings and fingers can make a good accompaniment to stories. Tie the ends of a piece of string together and have children create a story on their own or use one that already exists. While the child tells a story, she twists the string around her fingers to go along with the story. For example, if a child is telling a story about a flag, the string can be made into the shape of a flag with the fingers.
Shapes
Fingers can make shapes with a string tied together at both ends. Spreading the string across both hands, children can twist the string and weave it through the fingers to make different shapes -- a star, triangular fishing spear or a moth. The shapes may take some time to learn, but with patience and practice, the children can execute them properly.
Games
Gmes can be played with fingers and string as well. Using a string tied at both ends, children can twist and weave the string through the fingers to play games. Cat's Cradle is a game played by two children. One child starts by making the cradle. The second child then grabs the string from the first child to make a shape. The Thumb Catch is another game. The string is twisted through the fingers. Once the string is released, it forms handcuffs.
Other Activities
Many other games exist involving string, and not necessarily fingers. Toys that utilize string are kites, paddle ball, yo-yos and telephones made with strings and cans.
Games can also be played with fingers and no string. Finger songs can be played, such as "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Where is Thumbkin?" and "Three Little Ducks." Music can be played along with the words for added fun.