Patterns and Beads: Preschool Fun

August 17, 2012

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Guess what my 4-year-old is doing that kept him completely focused for over an hour this morning.

We borrowed some pony beads from his sister and a dug a few pipe cleaners out of the craft cupboard.

And since I suggested he try to make some patterns with the beads, we’re calling it ‘pre-school math’.

Don’t you love cute chubby fingers? (Especially when he’s been painting nails with his older sister, who is the only girl in the family. :-))

The final result? A proud boy with his necklace.

Supply ideas:

Pipe cleaners.
Pony beads or any other larger beads that little fingers can handle.
Round cereal like Cheerios, Fruit Loops, or Apple Jacks so you can eat your creation when you’re done.
One or more bored children.

Activity ideas

Start by sorting the different colored pony beads into their own containers at the beginning = more math!
Cut the pipe cleaners shorter to make bracelets and rings, or twist two together to make a necklace. Bend a hook on one end to keep the beads from sliding off the edge. To finish the piece, bend a small hook in each end and then tuck the sharp point under a bead.
Start with simple patterns and move to more complex ones.
Demonstrate new patterns and play the “What comes next?” game by starting a pattern and asking the other person what the next beads are. Take turns so your child can try to stump you too.
Write a blog post about the activity so your little one can grin at his pictures on the computer. 🙂

Do you have any fun preschool activities that keep the kiddoes busy? I can always use good ideas!