Rainy Day Fun: Shoelace & Straw Bead Necklace

An inexpensive way to develop one’s fine motor skills and make something simple, yet beautiful. This would great activity to explore patterning with different attributes- colour, type of bead etc.

you'll need Materials

• Shoelaces
• Straws
• Large hole pony beads
• Scissors

Directions

• Depending on your child’s age and abilities you many need to cut the straws into bead-like proportions or they may be able to do this on their own. Recycle any un-needed portions (as seen in the photograph.)

• Set out your pony beads on a tray, lid etc. for easy access.

• Tie a know at one end of your shoelace to provide an anchor for your beads.

• Thread your beads onto your shoelace, alternating the straw and pony beads. As mentioned this would be a great activity for learning patterning.

• Knot the 2 ends of your shoelace together or tie a bow when done. Wear and enjoy!

Purpose

• Developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination.
• An opportunity for exploring pattering.

Safety Notes

• Be sure to remove necklaces for play (e.g, on playground structures) to avoid strangulation and wear with supervision.
• Beads can pose a choking hazard so this activity is not recommended for children 0-3 or those that tend to put objects in their mouths.