You can do "Five Little Seashells" as a fingerplay or you can use actual seashells. Pass an open handkerchief over the shells to simulate a wave, picking up a shell inside the handkerchief on each pass.
Five little seashells
Hold out five fingers. Lying on the shore.
Swish...
Open your other hand and pass it over the five fingers. went the waves.
...and make a light fist with the first hand.
Pass the open hand back over the first,
And then there were four.
... and hold out four fingers.
Continue these motions for the following verses: Four little seashells, pretty as can be.
Swish went the waves. Then there were three.
Three little seashells, all pearly new.
Swish went the waves. Then there were two.
Two little seashells, lying in the sun.
Swish went the waves. Then there was one.
One little seashell, lying all alone.
I picked it up. Point one finger in the air
I took it home. ...and put it in your pocket.
Hugh Hanley's Circle of Songs CD/Songbook sets were developed to promote adult/child interactive singing either in pairs or small groups. Children also enjoy singing these songs by themselves. Each set contains songs and activities that are appropriate and great fun for children ages two to seven years and for adults who would like to sing with them. The songs and activities are presented slowly and simply on the recording to help participants learn the songs and to invite participation.
Early childhood educators know that the music that speaks to the heart of the young child is presented slowly and simply. Their favorite songs are the ones that they can join in on and make their own; songs that are so simple and so much fun that even a grown-up can sing them.
