Patriotic Pony Bead Necklace

Description

Here is a toddler activity using red, white (or silver) and blue star beads to make a necklace or bracelet. Perfect for the Fourth of July or just for fun. Easy classroom craft or a art center activity! Focus on patterns, shapes and the fine motor skills. Add a charm to personalize it.
patriotic pony bead necklace

Materials

  • Red, white (or silver) and blue pony beads.
  • Stretch Magic or Beading Cord
  • Charms (optional)

Other Materials

  • Scissors
  • Craft Glue like Fabri Tac
  • Small Piece of Tape

Steps

  • Separate beads by color in a muffin tin or plastic containers.
  • Measure a length of beading cord around your child's wrist or neck. Be sure to add about 6 inches or more to make it easier to string.
  • Fold a small piece of masking or packing tape at the bottom of the bead string. This will keep beads from sliding off.
  • Lay out a pattern of red, white (or silver) and blue beads.
  • String beads and add charms if you desire.
  • Hold securely and try on child before knotting.
  • Tie a double knot and add a drop of craft glue especially if you use stretchy beading cord which can slip if you don't secure it with glue.
  • Let dry and snip extra cord.

Tips and Suggestions

  • Great opportunity to practice counting.
  • For older toddlers you might want to introduce a complex pattern like RR, WW, BB or RR, W, BB.

Math Concepts

Numbers and Number Sense

  • Counting: Practicing counting how many of one color.
  • Represent (How many is two,three, etc? Ask your child to give you two beads.
  • Quantity (More, Less, Equal): Make two piles and ask which one has more or less.

    • Patterns, Sorting and Classifying (Algebra and Functions)

  • Sorting Objects by Attribute (color, size or shape): Sorting by color in muffin tins
  • Simple Patterns: Laying beads out in a row in simple patterns and identifying the next bead.

    • Educational Note

    In the United States Independence Day, often called the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Many people celebrate Independence Day by sending off fireworks, attending parades, having barbecues or holding picnics.