Fine MotorPreschoolersToddlers11 Comments
Threading activities are fantastic fine motor activities for toddlers and preschoolers to do!
After sharing our cereal threading activity the other day, I wanted to find more ways for kids to thread.
I started hunting and hunting for the best threading activities for kids.
And upon searching, I came across many lacing activities, weaving activities and sewing activities… and it made me ask:
What is a threading activity?
verb: put objects (beads, chunks of food, or other small objects) together or one at a time on a thread, chain, or skewer that runs through the center of each one.
In terms of a threading activity to do with kids, that means that the kids would be putting (threading) numerous small objects onto a longer object.
What you’ll find below: only threading activities where toddlers are putting numerous objects onto a longer object.
Simple Threading Activities to Try With Your Toddler
How do I teach my toddler threading?
Threading comes pretty naturally to toddlers and preschoolers. Show them once and they will want to try!
Don’t overcomplicate it.
However, there are a few tricks to making it succsesful from the start.
- Start with larger items to work with first. Like pool noodles, cut toilet paper rolls, and even o shaped cereals.
- Go with stiffer thread items instead of string for the first few times. Items like straws, spaghetti, pipe cleaners, or stiffer cords.
- When you move onto string make sure the end is either taped down to a surface or has something tied to the end to prevent everything from falling right off.
- Another tip to help toddlers have success with threading activities using strong or yarn is to be sure you can do it with your non-dominant hand! If its hard for you, then it will be frustrating for them.
- Add a plastic needle, or tape around the threading tip so it won’t fray.
Check out these super simple stacking toy style threading activities to start early!
Download FREE Go-To List of Fine Motor Pre-Writing Activities
Spice it Up with Sewing and Weaving Activities
In case you’re curious, here’s a couple sewing activities that work on threading too:
- Stitched Apple Sewing Activity from No Time for Flash Cards
- Sewing Buttons from Play to Learn Preschool
- Sewing Busy Book from Teach Preschool
And a few weaving activities if you’re interested:
- Big Weaving
- Fork Weaving
- Pipe Cleaner Weaving from JDaniel4’s Mom
- Ribbon Weaving from Totally Tots
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syllablecounter says
This sounds like a great way to introduce toddlers to the concept of threading and help them develop their fine motor skills at the same time!
uptoword says
Threading activities are a great way to keep toddlers entertained and engaged. They are also a great way to help them learn how to thread a needle.
Cindy Lawson says
I just want to say thank you for adding a picture next to each activity. This makes it so much more user friendly as I can quickly search for an activity that I think will interest my child or that looks like I have everything needed. I very much dislike (and usually disregard) posts with tons of activities but only have a link and no picture. I will definitely be using a few of these lacing ideas. My little guy is 3 and transitioning from nap to quiet activities in his room. Perfect for working fine motor muscles!
Aqdas says
Thanks so much for all the ideas!! These are great as we can find these items at home, without having to purchase more toys for threading!