Big Bead Threading

What you need

• large chunky beads or pasta rings
• shoelace or thick string
• bowl

How to do it

1. Tie a big knot in one end of the string so beads can't slide off.
2. Tip the beads into the bowl and show your toddler one going on.
3. Let them thread beads at their own pace, counting out loud as each one goes on.
4. Tie the ends together to wear as a necklace or bracelet.

Why it matters

Threading asks little fingers to aim, push and pull all in one go, which is exactly the control they'll later need for buttons and zips.

What they're learning

pincer control

Picking up one bead at a time builds the grip strength used later for holding a pencil.

counting aloud

Counting beads as they thread lays down the number words before real counting clicks.

goal persistence

Sticking with threading until the string is full is early practice at finishing a task they started.

What to look for

Watch for them lining the bead hole up with the string tip before pushing, rather than jabbing randomly.

A tip

Chunky pasta rings work just as well as bought beads and are cheap to replace if a few go missing.

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