Here's a Ball for Baby

In this fingerplay, the same pair of hands becomes a ball, a hammer, an umbrella, and a cradle. Emilie Poulsson published it as All for Baby in her 1893 book Finger Plays for Nursery and Kindergarten. The book gives a recitation and a musical setting. The words above follow the recitation.

Hand movements for each pair of lines

Cue	What to do
Ball	Curve your fingers towards one another as if holding a soft ball.
Hammer	Make one hand into a fist and tap it gently into the open palm of the other.
Music	Clap softly twice.
Soldiers	Hold four fingers straight up in a row.
Trumpet	Cup both hands near your mouth and make the toot sound.
Peep-a-boo	Cover your eyes, then open your hands so the child can see your face.
Umbrella	Hold one index finger upright and put your other palm flat over its tip.
Cradle	Cup both hands together and rock them gently from side to side.

Say one pair of lines at a time and pause so a child can copy the gesture or make the sound. The ball and cradle are good places to slow down; the claps and trumpet can be quicker. For a shorter fingerplay with a surprise at the end, try Here Is the Church.