I’m thrilled to be part of this super fun series, Everyday Fine Motor Materials from A to Z, from Still Playing School.
Each day a different blog will introduce you to an everyday fine motor material they have used to engage children. We will share creative ways to play, create, explore, and craft with these items!
So, we just got back from an exhausting, sweat inducing, kiddo whining, weekend trip. Oh the joys of road trips – at least there was no vomit this time!
Annnnnd, I needed something to occupy these tired kiddos and dissipate the whining when we got home, so hubs and I could unpack & make dinner.
I scoured my brain trying to think of an everyday fine motor material that would engage both little ones in different projects, in different ways. I needed to keep those hands busy, busy, BUSY!
BUTTONS – an everyday fine motor material!!
Here is what I came up with, an activity to engage each of them, utilizing fine motor skills, one for little T (pre-k, 3-yo) and one for V (k, 4.5-yo).
Portable Button Play.
Materials – Portable Button Play
- jar with metal lid (canning jar, mason jar, baby food jar, pickle jar)
- assorted buttons (all shapes, all sizes)
- pipe cleaners
- awl
Instructions – Portable Button Play
- Using your awl (ADULTS ONLY) – pierce holes in lid.
- Have your child thread the pipe cleaners into the holes.
- Have your child “bead” the pipe cleaners!
The great & amazing thing about this activity is…
IT’S PORTABLE – wrap the pipe cleaners in the jar, throw in the buttons & go!
IT’S OPEN-ENDED – have your child sort by color, shape, sizes… or just free-flow it into an awesome button sculpture!
IT’s ENGAGING – little T was all-hands-on-deck for a solid period of time, sorting, colorizing, stacking – so much play!
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Button Bracelet.
Materials – Button Bracelet
- coordinating plastic lacing
- assorted buttons (all shapes, all sizes)
- scissors
- optional: clasps
Instructions – Button Bracelet
- Cut plastic lacing to desired length.
- Have your child thread the the buttons on the plastic lacing in their desired pattern/design.
- Knot the ends (or tie off with a clasp).
The great & amazing thing about this activity is…
IT’S PORTABLE – put the plastic lacing & buttons in a baggie & go!
IT’S OPEN-ENDED – any design is imaginable – stack the buttons, double thread the buttons, lace them by size – the possibilities are endless!
IT’s ENGAGING – V loves anything jewelry so it held her attention FOR-ever so that she could create the perfect V bracelet!
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Did you miss A, of Everyday Fine Motor Materials from A to Z?
Letter A is for Aluminum Foil, from Danya Bayna
Be sure to check out tomorrow’s installment of Everyday Fine Motor Materials from A to Z.
Letter C is for…, from LalyMom
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Nichole {youclevermonkey} says
Such lovely photos. We buttons here too. I love those bracelets! And a great idea for a series :)
Melissa Klinker says
Thanks Nichole! xx
La Nouille says
Love it !
Melissa Klinker says
Thanks! xx
Dana says
So Cute! Not only is this great practice, but makes for a bright and colorful sculpture when they are finished!
Melissa Klinker says
I agree Dana!! The final result was my favorite part :) xx
Still Playing School says
I love how you adapted it for both kids!
Melissa Klinker says
Thanks Devany!! Thanks for hosting such a fun series :) xx