Do you have threads laying around the house? Maybe you were a seamstress, had a parent who was or you were thinking of a hobby, a hobby that occupied your mind briefly. If that is you and you’ve got threads in bins and a spool rack then let’s do this. If you don’t, ask a friend, neighbor, or your clients. (A thrift store is an option for the rack – I got mine from Goodwill)
Tip – To prevent the thread from unraveling or wrapping around the children I suggest gluing the thread to the spools. Fabric glue, fray glue, or mod podge should work just fine.
Invite children to add the threads to the spool rack – this activity has the benefits of hand and eye coordination. The children will need to locate the hole on the thread before placing it on the spools or they will move the thread around until it goes on the spool hook.
Children may stack the threads, count as they stack, sort by colors, size, shape – observe the children they will tell you what they want to do. Off-camera the children in my care rolled the thread, used them as cages for their animals – their imaginations are endless. Threads are perfect loose parts for open-ended play.
This activity can be done with two children – teamwork, problem-solving until all the hooks are filled.
Two children sorted, categorized, and problem solved about the tape (wrapper) that was on some of the threads which prevented the seamless placement on the hooks. During that process, they talked about the top piece being like their sticker activities. The children have access to stickers which they add to papers, art, or project they are making – just not the furniture (stickers on furniture can be difficult to remove especially if left for a long time)
Various sizes of threads may result in other activities and learning. Be mindful that the small threads can pose a choking hazard for the younger children in your care.
Ordinary items can help make your classroom extraordinary – the little things makes a difference.
xoxo – Miss Sue
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