PL 7.01Threading Large Beads
The child threads large wooden beads onto a lace with a stiff tip and a knot at the other end.
Presentation
- 1
Invite the child and carry the tray to a table.
- 2
Pick up one bead with your non-dominant hand, holding it so you can see the hole.
- 3
Hold the lace near the tip with your dominant hand.
- 4
Push the tip into the hole. Watching the tip come out the other side is the point of interest.
- 5
Grip the tip on the other side and pull the lace through. Slide the bead to the knot.
- 6
Thread the next bead the same way.
- 7
When all beads are on, hold the lace up to show the string. Slide them off one at a time into the bowl.
- 8
Invite the child to thread the beads.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Thread smaller beads on a thinner lace
- Copy a pattern card (red, blue, red, blue)
- Make a necklace or bracelet to keep
Control of error
The bead does not go on if the tip misses the hole; the knot keeps beads from falling off the end.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Threads all the beads without help
- Copies a simple two-color pattern
- Threads smaller beads on a thinner lace
Guide note
Keep beads large (at least 3 cm) for children under 3.5.