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Simple threading activity using cut straws and pipe cleaners

November 13, 2017 by Kate 5 Comments

When you’re looking for something quiet and productive for your children then you might want to try this simple threading activity using cut straws and pipe cleaners. 

Simple threading activity using cut straws and pipe cleaners

 

The concept is simple, children use their hands to thread various lengths of cut up plastic straws onto pipe cleaners.  That’s it. It might sound so incredibly simple and not that exciting, but believe me, your child will really be entertained by this activity and they’ll be developing their fine motor skills at the same time! 

Recommended age:  2 years + 
(Strict and active supervision is required at all times) 

pipe cleaners and cut strawsSimple threading activity using cut straws and pipe cleaners  

Materials you will need – 

  • pipe cleaners
  • plastic straws
  • scissors
  • bowl or container

Simply chop up the straws in various lengths. Set them out on a plate or in a bowl and offer your child pipe cleaners to thread them on to. You may want to demonstrate this activity first. 

threading straw pieces on to long pipe cleaners for fine motor

Fine Motor Development

This activity is a requires children to use the smaller muscles in the hand, which is required for completing simple tasks like holding a pen, writing, drawing, gripping etc. 

Measurement

Set up this activity for your child by cutting a handful of straws into different lengths. I varied the lengths because I thought it would be good for talking about the different lengths, comparing them and discussing which ones we thought were longer, shorter etc. 
cut straws and pipe cleaners in this simple fine motor activity for kids

This activity is great for –

  • fine motor development
  • coordination
  • concentration 
  • mathematics – comparing length of straw pieces
  • increasing language vocabulary (threading, sliding, bigger, smaller, long, short etc)
  • opportunity to create patterns
  • colour matching
  • problem solving skills

fine motor activity for toddlers and preschoolers using straws and pipe cleaners

Here is a short little clip of Boo demonstrating this activity for you. 

 

You can really see the developmental benefits of children doing this type of activity.  

threading pipe cleaners onto straws for fun and fine motor development

This is an activity that Boo (aged 3 years) absolutely loved doing. She has requested it many times since. Overall it’s a very simple activity to set up and easy for little ones to understand and complete. I love that it’s so great for developing fine motor and coordination skills as your child plays. 

Have you tried this simple activity with your kids?

Simple play dough ebook with recipes and play dough activities for kids.

If you like this idea then check out – 

Threading pony beads on tree branches to build fine motor skills   Threading cardboard beads. Activity for toddlers and preschoolers .  pipe cleaner art for kids to thread with

 

Filed Under: 1 - 3 years, 3 - 5 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, busy bag, Fine Motor, Indoor play, Play Tagged With: busy bag, indoor activity, pipe cleaner, preschooler, straws, threading, toddler

Comments

  1. Maria Santiago says

    December 22, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    Great ideas for my kids. I will be using them pretty soon.

    THANKS
    Maria Santiago

    Reply
    • Kate says

      December 22, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      You’re so welcome Maria. 😀

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    December 29, 2018 at 2:39 am

    I teach 3 year olds and I have often said that when kids laugh, they learn. so I love your website name!

    Thanks for this idea. I’ll be doing it shortly with my own students!

    A grateful preschool teacher

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Road Trip Activities for Kids | Rule This Roost says:
    May 27, 2019 at 7:49 am

    […] DSC How about honing in on fine motor skills on your road trip? This Pipe Cleaner Threading Activity by Laughing Kids Learn is an easy activity to gather up materials for. Your kids will not only […]

    Reply
  2. Einfache Einfädelung mit geschnittenen Strohhalmen und Pfeifenreinigern - Laughing Kids Learn - Fitness Sport und Gesundheit says:
    August 29, 2020 at 5:35 am

    […] Source […]

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Hello and welcome!
My name is Kate and I am a mum to two little girls, Possum and Boo. We have lots of fun together learning with play at home and are pleased to share some of what we do with you.
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