This engaging hands-on activity helps young learners develop number recognition and counting skills while enhancing their fine motor abilities.

Using threading tags and pipe cleaners, students will practise representing numbers to 20 by threading the correct number of beads. The action of picking up a bead and threading it onto a pipe cleaner requires focus, precision and the use of the small muscles in the fingers and hands. In addition, this activity will enable students to develop their bilateral and hand-eye coordination. These skills are essential for tasks in everyday life, such as using tools and tying shoelaces.

How to Complete:

1. Print the threading tags onto thick cardstock, cut out and attach a long pipe cleaner. Provide beads for students to use.
2. Students will pick up a threading tag and identify the number displayed. They will count and thread the corresponding number of beads onto the pipe cleaner. Encourage them to count aloud to monitor their one-to-one correspondence.
3. Students can use a recording sheet to colour, trace or write the number of beads they count and thread.

Additional Tips:

1. Provide visual aids, such as number charts or number lines for students who require additional support.

Extension Ideas:

1. Skip Counting Practise: Challenge students to thread beads in patterns of twos or fives to introduce skip counting concepts.
2. Partitioning: Ask students to show different ways to make the target number. For example, if their threading tag features the number 8, they could thread 5 red beads and 3 blue beads.
3. Number Comparison: Have students compare their beaded pipe cleaners with a partner and determine which number is greater or smaller.

This activity is an excellent way to make number learning interactive and enjoyable while building essential numeracy and fine motor skills.