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Threading pony beads on tree branches to build fine motor skills

August 25, 2017 by Kate 2 Comments

When your child is stuck indoors and looking for something fun to do then consider getting them to do an activity of threading pony beads on tree branches to build fine motor skills! It’s simple to set up and the decorated branches look stunning! 

Threading pony beads on tree branches to build fine motor skillsAs our Winter season comes to an end here in Australia my girls and I are slowly starting to pay more attention to the tiny buds of growth that are slowly and eagerly wanting to appear on tree branches. To make use of some of the old and broken branches, left over from a windy Winter, we decided to put them to use and decorate them with some brightly coloured pony beads. 

Recommended age: 3 years + 
(Strict and active supervision is required)

play dough pony beads
Threading pony beads on tree branches to build fine motor skills

My children love pony beads and secretly I do too. There is so many ways children can use them in play activities or for brightening up a craft. For this simple activity, which you can do indoors, you will need – 

  • Tree branch (with thin branches)
  • Pony beads
  • Play dough

threading beads onto branches

Simply balance the branch by using a ball of play dough in front of your child. Ensure there are no branches that are likely to cause your child to poke their eye as they work. 

Threading pony beads on a tree branch for fine motor development

Gentle hands

Once everything is ready then you can simply ask your child to carefully thread the pony beads onto the tree branches. They will learn quite quickly that they need to take care with this as the branches can easily break and cause the pony beads to fall. 

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Creating patterns

Whilst creating patterns was too advanced a challenge for Boo (aged 2.5 years) she loved to try and get all the pony bead colours available to her onto the tree branch. 

Older children could make various patterns using the coloured pony beads. 

fine motor activity threading beads onto tree branches

Counting 

As Boo was doing this activity I took advnatage of her intense level of concentration and counted some of the beads aloud. Simply counting aloud to a child is great for developing their awareness of numbers and how they are ordered. 

Fine Motor Skills

Of course, using pony beads with children instantly gets them working on their fine motor skills. The pinching action they need to hold the bead between their two fingers is great and required for them to complete the challenge. 

Threaded beads onto tree branch

If you’re stuck indoors, looking for something quick then give this a go. It requires very simple set up and it certainly kept my 2 year old occupied for a long time. The pony beads are so great for counting, in patterns and developing fine motor skills, which later helps with holding pencils to write etc. 

Do you love pony bead activities? 

If you like this idea then be sure to check out these activities too – 

weaving on wire for fine motor activity  Playing and learning with pipe cleaners and beads. Great for fine motor skills too.   DIY fine motor activity of threading straw beads

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Filed Under: 3 - 5 years, 5 - 10 years, activities for preschoolers, activities for toddlers, Fine Motor, Indoor play

Trackbacks

  1. Threading Beads on Feathers for toddlers, preschoolers and more! says:
    September 11, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    […] you’ve finished threading beads on feathers try threading beads on sticks […]

    Reply
  2. 75 Things Kids Can Do When They're Bored as Heck - Mama Manages says:
    April 7, 2021 at 4:52 am

    […] trees – we originally found this idea here, and tried it at home. Results below. It was fun! Side note – Play Doh is not the best choice, as […]

    Reply

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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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