Fun Finger Strength!

Does your little one have tiny, weak (but adorable!) fingers? She is probably so excited to be a Green Turtle Shells student and play piano like her older siblings!

Today, we're share tips for strengthening little fingers, both on and off the keyboard.

The Wisdom of Let's Play Music

First of all, it's so fantastic that your child has had a year of ear training, note reading, vocal training, and autoharp playing in 1st Year before needing to demonstrate dexterity. Their minds and ears were ready for Red Balloons and Blue Bugs level theory, and they absorbed it well. Without this preparation, it would have been frustrating to sit at the piano, wishing their fingers could keep up with their quick mind. Let's Play Music understands that finger strength develops slowly, even for sharp minds.

Strengthening at the Piano

We can’t praise the finger strenghthening drills from LPM enough! If your little one has weak fingers, make sure to include bubble holding, tapping, individual finger exercises, and 'kit-kat' key pressing.

This video demonstrates bubble hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9HgPVuDnF4

Do you have a child who loves to play Kit Kat Keyboard? Have them use 2 fingers for the group of 2 (pressing them 4 times) and 3 fingers for the group of 3, focusing on rounded fingers.

Strengthening Without a Piano

You can’t keep them at the piano all day, but there are plenty of fun ways to strengthen fingers on the go. The dollar store has great tools for games that enhance grip, finger strength, and control.

Fun Finger Strengthening Activities

Sponges: Turn bath time into a game! Have your child fill containers by squeezing a soggy sponge. This helps strengthen wrist muscles and finger flexors.

Bulb Syringe: If you have an old bulb syringe from baby days, let your child fill and squeeze it with water. Challenge them to use different fingers! For extra fun, fill it with paint for a crafty twist.

Spray Bottles: Create cool designs on the sidewalk by squirting water. If it’s too easy, try using fewer fingers on the trigger. On sunny days, make homemade sidewalk spray paint for added fun!

Play-Doh: Play "Mushy Pushy" by having your child squish a finger into a ball of dough when you call out a number. There are tons of Play-Doh games online to keep them entertained!

Stress Balls: Make a stress ball by filling a balloon with flour. Sing the "flat little red balloon" song while squishing it for some silly fun!

Finger Exerciser: For just $9, grab a finger exerciser on Amazon. It’s like a gym membership for little fingers—perfect for strengthening their grip!

Clothespins: Use clothespins as tongs to pick up small items, or clip them around a songbook. Search online for fun educational games and crafts involving clothespins!

Tennis Ball Puppet: Create a puppet by cutting a mouth slit in a tennis ball. It takes a strong grip to open its mouth, and you can hide small objects inside! Decorate it with eyes for added fun.

I Love You: Teach your child the ASL sign for "I Love You" and flash it at each other daily! Practicing ASL and counting numbers also boosts finger strength and control.

I hope these ideas help you and your little one strengthen fingers while having fun. Soon, she’ll be playing chords and intervals with confidence!

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