Threading activity for toddlers using large cardboard beads

For some children, threading can be an incredibly difficult task. Small beads and undeveloped fine motor skills can make it incredibly challenging and cause them a lot of frustration. Instead, you might like to consider this threading activity for toddlers using large cardboard beads! 

Boo (aged 2 years) loves all kinds of threading activities and she was particularly taken with this larger style threading activity, which I’d spotted on The Imagination Tree website that using cardboard toilet rolls as beads. The large, sturdy beads seemed to fit her hand comfortably and the task of threading each bead onto the thick string was a challenge she looked forward to completing. 

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

Threading activity for toddlers using large cardboard beads

To prepare this activity you will need – 

• Cardboard rolls x 6
• Thick string or garden stocking x 1m
• Coloured paper (optional) 

To create your beads

Begin by cutting each cardboard roll so it creates a circular bead, about 3cm thick. Each cardboard bead can be coloured using decorating pens or pencils, however, I carefully wrapped some of the beads in coloured paper, which was as easy and I just pushed the overhanging paper into it’s middle.  

To prepare your stocking for threading

I simply used a 1 meter length of garden stocking and knotted one end with one of the beads. This was going to help the beads from falling off as Boo was threading extra beads onto it.  

Fine Motor Skills

There is no denying the wonderful challenge threading gives to those small fine motor muscles in a child’s hands. The pinching of the cardboard beads between the fingers and keeping the stocking steady for threading are all tasks that involve the use of fine motor skills. 

These larger beads certainly suit those children who struggle to hold smaller plastic beads. Children also feel a sense of satisfaction doing this threading task as it is quite achievable for all ages. 

Adding some colour

You know me, I love adding a bit of colour to anything that I do. I especially like to add colour to any activity that is mostly suited for children who are toddlers or preschool age, as it gives them an opportunity to learn more about colours, colour names and creating patterns. 

This threading activity for toddlers using large cardboard beads is ideal for those children who are still learning how to coordinate their hands to complete a threading task and suit shorter activities that come with a quick final result. Boo was so very proud of what she had threaded onto her stocking. This will certainly be a threading activity I put away and bring out again and extend her further to thread the beads in a repeated pattern. 

Would your child like this threading activity? 

Check out these other threading ideas – 

    

 

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