Thread “beads” onto a pipe cleaner to make bracelets while practicing math and fine motor skills.
Materials:
- Paper straws or dry pasta
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors- adult
- Bowl
Instructions:
Cut paper straws into 1” pieces and place them inside a bowl (you can also use dry pasta noodles instead). These will be used as the “beads.” Next, create a small loop at one of end the pipe cleaner so the “beads” don’t fall off while threading. Thread the “beads” onto the pipe cleaner then twist the ends and slide a bead over to cover the ends. As you thread, discuss color names and patterns.
Extension- Use a shoelace string or something similar to create necklaces instead. This is more challenging than using a pipe cleaner since the string is less rigid.
What are they learning?
- Fine Motor- Builds strength and coordination of small movements in hands to pick up, squeeze, twist, cut, and manipulate tools and toys.
- Communication (Expressive Language)- Uses verbal and nonverbal communication to express ideas with increasingly complex words and sentences. Engages in back-and-forth communication.
- Patterns- Identifies, reproduces, and creates patterns.
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