Let’s explore finger numbers!

For piano parents

My name is Rebekah Maxner and your teacher is a follower of my Piano at Play blog. As a perk, here’s a learning tool I’ve developed to help you and your child with piano finger numbers at home!

Prep 1

Print this FREE black and white worksheet.

Prep 2

Have five coloured pencils ready:

• Blue
• Green
• Yellow
• Orange and
• Red

For piano students

Step 1

Connect fingers that have matching numbers with coloured arches. Follow the order suggested below and on the sheet.

• Find both thumbs. What’s the matching number? Connect them with BLUE.
• Find both pointer fingers. What’s the matching number? Connect them with GREEN.
• Find both tall man fingers. What’s the matching number? Connect them with YELLOW.
• Find both ring man fingers. What’s the matching number? Connect them with ORANGE.
• Find both pinky fingers. What’s the matching number? Connect them with RED.

Watch this video to set up your page!

What do you see? A Finger Number Rainbow!

Step 2

Let’s sing the finger numbers!

Place your page in front of you. If you can, kneel on the floor with your knees in front.

Practice singing with this video at home. It’s a sing-along song! Sing it to the tune of Frère Jacques, with actions.

1

Where is thumbkin? Where is thumbkin?	Hold hands in a loose fist.
Here I am, Number One!	Hold hands loose and open, wiggle both thumbs to the beat.
Show me how you play, One, Show me how you play, One!	Touch thumb tips together to the beat.
On my knees, On my knees!	Play thumbs on knees as you would on piano keys.

2

Where is pointer? Where is pointer?	Hold hands in a loose fist.
Here I am, Number Two!	Hold hands loose and open, wiggle both pointers to the beat.
Show me how you play, Two, Show me how you play, Two!	Touch pointer fingertips together to the beat.
On my knees, On my knees!	Play pointers on knees as you would on piano keys.

3

Where is tall man? Where is tall man?	Hold hands in a loose fist.
Here I am, Number Three!	Hold hands loose and open, wiggle both tall man fingers to the beat.
Show me how you play, Three, Show me how you play, Three!	Touch tall man fingertips together to the beat.
On my knees, On my knees!	Play tall man fingers on knees as you would on piano keys.

4

Where is ring man? Where is ring man?	Hold hands in a loose fist.
Here I am, Number Four!	Hold hands loose and open, wiggle both ring man fingers to the beat.
Show me how you play, Four, Show me how you play, Four!	Touch ring man fingertips together to the beat.
On my knees, On my knees!	Play ring man fingers on knees as you would on piano keys.

5

Where is pinky? Where is pinky?	Hold hands in a loose fist.
Here I am, Number Five!	Hold hands loose and open, wiggle both pinkies to the beat.
Show me how you play, Five, Show me how you play, Five!	Touch pinky fingertips together to the beat.
On my knees, On my knees!	Play pinkies on knees as you would on piano keys.

Copyright notice. Finger Number Rainbow concept and design, song and words Copyright (c) 2003 by Rebekah Maxner. All rights reserved. Teachers may use the reproducible sheet provided by Piano at Play blog with personal students. Piano method writers and/or publishers may not publish or reproduce this design or concept.

Learning that the numbers are mirrored is the key to avoiding confusion and encouraging confidence from day one!

For teachers

Please share this blog post with your piano families! As my appreciation for reading my blog, it’s free!

My blog content helps make your teaching easier! But did you know I’m a composer? Purchasing and teaching my music helps me continue to provide this content for FREE! Check out my shop!

Many thanks!

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I appreciate shares, comments and likes. Happy teaching! ❤

Video of the Week

Skitter Scatter, Pitter Patter (Early Elementary, Prep A), an early reading piece that encourages confidence reading the middle of the staff that’s really fun to play! From the print and eBook Rock the Boat, 11 Early Elementary piano works with optional teacher duets. Or, Check out the studio-licensed Skitter Scatter, Pitter Patter eSheet!