Beads - Page 6 of 11

The Beaded Rainbow Branch

Steps:

Find a smooth branch outside.
Make sure it is sturdy but not too heavy.
Tie one end of the yarn to the base of the branch.
Ask your child to hold the branch steady with one hand.
Show your child how to wrap the yarn around the branch.
They should keep the yarn tight.
After a few wraps, slide a bead onto the yarn.
Continue wrapping the yarn over the bead to lock it in place.
Switch yarn colors to create a rainbow pattern.
Tie a knot at the end to finish your art.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is recommended. Small beads are a choking hazard. Keep materials away from small children and pets.

Beaded Joint Dancer

Steps:

Draw a person or animal on construction paper with markers.
Cut out the head, body, and limbs as separate pieces.
Use a hole puncher to make a hole at each limb joint.
Punch matching holes on the shoulders and hips of the body.
Thread a piece of yarn through the holes to join pieces.
Tie the yarn loosely so the dancer can move its limbs.
Slide beads onto the yarn ends to add color and weight.
Use masking tape to hang your dancer on a door.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise your child when they use a hole puncher to prevent finger pinches. Keep small beads away from younger siblings to avoid choking.

Foil Gem Treasure Rescue

Steps:

Help your child cut small squares of aluminum foil using safety scissors.
Wrap one bead inside each piece of foil to make a treasure gem.
Squeeze the foil tightly so the bead is hidden.
Place each foil gem into a separate slot in the ice cube tray.
Give your child the tweezers to hold with their dominant hand.
Ask them to move the gems into the aluminum foil pan.
Once moved, use both hands to unwrap the foil and find the beads.

Safety Tip:
Beads and small foil pieces are choking hazards. Always supervise your child closely during this activity. Ensure all beads are collected after play.

The Sticky Maze Jewel Hunt

Steps:

Place the cardboard on a stable table.
Use markers to draw a winding path from one end to the other.
Fold small strips of masking tape so the sticky side faces out.
Stick these tape loops along the edges of your drawn path.
Place several beads at different spots inside the path.
Give your child the tweezers to hold with their writing hand.
Challenge them to pick up each bead carefully.
They must lift the beads without touching the sticky walls.
Move the beads to a plastic container to win the game!

Safety Tip:
Constant adult supervision is required. Small beads are a choking hazard. Ensure the tweezers are used only for the activity.

Putty Pancake Decorators

Steps:

Give your child a large chunk of Theraputty or stiff playdough. Encourage them to use both hands to squeeze, mash, and roll it into a thick ‘pancake’ on the paper plate. Press hard for heavy work!
Ask your child to hold the paper plate firmly steady with their helper hand to keep the ‘pancake’ from sliding.
Pick up the tweezers or tongs. Use a strong pincer grasp to grab one small bead at a time.
Carefully aim the bead. Push it firmly and precisely into the resistant putty surface to create a colorful design or pattern.
Repeat the process until the entire putty pancake is covered in decorative beads. Try using different colors or sizes of beads.

Safety Tip:
Constant and direct adult supervision is required. Beads and Theraputty/Playdough are small objects. They pose a significant choking hazard for children who still place items in their mouths.