Say the words of the song slowly and clearly. The words are:
Where is Thumbkin? Where is Thumbkin?
Here I am. Here I am.
How are you today sir?
Very well, I thank you.
Run away. Run away.
Sing the song with the tune and teach it to the children. This song is sung to the tune of "Frere Jacques." Repeat this step many times until the children know the song by heart with no prompts.
Sing the song with the motions while the children sit and watch.
Teach the children one motion at a time. Begin with the thumb. Teach the child to point the thumbs, keeping them behind the back while singing, "Where is Thumbkin?" bringing them out with the words, "Here I am," then wiggling them during the words "How are you today, sir," and "Very well, I thank you." Then teach the child to again put his hands behind his back when singing the words "Run away." The same is done for the rest of the motions, using different fingers on the hand -- pointer, tall man, ring man, and pinkie.
Praise the children as each one learns the motions. It can be very frustrating for some preschoolers who do not grasp the motions right away. Praise will encourage the child to work hard until he gets it right.