Fun With Beads

I recently purchased some colored beads for C and some "strings."  I was really excited about this purchase because these items could be used in so many ways.

First, I pulled out an old "floss" container.  (Used for holding floss for cross stitching, or also candle samples if you've ever sold Partylite).  These can be purchased in any craft section of just about any store.

I told C that we could use a section for each color.  He promptly started sorting by color.  He even learned a new color- cream.

Eventually he tired of this and I suggested he use his beads to make a necklace.  I thought he would use his sorted beads so he could more easily use only his favorite color, but instead randomly selected beads from the larger container.

C made a long string of beads but of course eventually became wary of that activity.   From there I gave him a measuring spoon and cup, and a larger bowl and let him begin scooping.  I think he liked this part the best as he asked to do this every day for at least a week after.

You can also try with your older or more patient child stringing patterns.  Make your own and have the child copy, or make your own, take photos, laminate, and print them off for your child to copy.

Overall I thought this was a great investment.  Some beads and strings for a ton of fun.  Best of all- we can reuse them to repeat the same activities.

I purchased my tub of beads at Michaels with a 40% off coupon.  I did see a 400 count bag of beads at the dollar store, but found this larger tub to be the better deal when using the coupon.  You can also purchase these beads online at Amazon here.

The "strings" really are thinner colored shoelaces, also from Michaels.  I was looking for something that was easy for a young child to put a bead on that could be tied and reused.  I had a hard time locating these and they weren't even at my local Michaels.  Ask a friend if yours doesn't carry them.  Another alternative (I just found so it didn't help me!) is on Amazon here, or Oriental Trading here.  I believe the ones at Michaels are like the one's I link to on Oriental Trading.

If you're worried about small beads and your child, I have a few other great ideas below.  Prices range from 12.19-15.19.
*I highly recommend this wooden lacing bead set.  C has it and we still play with it frequently.
*Trail mix lacing set, ABC lacing sweets, and these four wooden stringing sets: Wash, ABC's, Farm, and Vehicles.

If you're looking for the most economical option- use dried beans for sorting and scooping (for slightly older children).  They can't be strung, but they can still be used for cooking afterwards!  Or try this idea here for younger children using pool noodles!

Remember, everything can be used as a learning tool.  Ask your child what colors, sizes, shapes (if you have a variety), patterns, and even textures they see.  If they don't know, tell them and they will learn to recognize what they are seeing.