Each child should have a thimble, and the teacher should have one also. A short conversation about the thimble should precede the game—how it is smooth inside and rough outside. What makes it rough? What are the little holes for? Which is the rim? &c.
(The teacher, if facing the children, should use the left hand for right.)
[1]Pretty little thimble,
[2]In your cradle go,
[3]I will rock you gently,
Gently to and fro.
Now I [4]toss and [5]catch you,
[6]Up and down and [7]up;
[8]Next I hold my thimble
Like a little cup.
[9]On the right thumb place it,
Is that right? [10]oh, no!
[11]On your longest finger
[12]Should the thimble go.
NOTES:
[1] Hold thimble up between thumb and forefinger of right hand.
[2] Put thimble in left hand, which should be held palm upward and bent to form a cradle.
[3] Sway left hand from left to right.
[4], [5], [6], [7] Toss thimble and catch it.
[8] Hold thimble, rim upwards, between thumb and forefinger of left hand.