This simple activity requires very few supplies. All you need are scissors, craft foam, yarn, a marker, and a hole punch (can use scissors instead).
First cut strands of yarn about 4-5 feet long. Tie them to something extremely sturdy, such as a doorknob. This yarn is going to see a lot of action. Make a strand for each child playing.
Cut craft foam in squares and punch or cut a hole. Be sure to make the hole large. Your children will be threading the yarn through this hole.
Draw shapes, letters, words, whatever you would like them to practice learning onto the craft foam squares.
Ask your child to grab the square that is a specific color or has a certain shape/letter on it. Have them thread the yarn through the square.
The best part of this activity is that it is perfect for different stages in development. I instructed one child to do colors (2 yrs old), while the other child did shapes (3 yrs old). Later on when my 4 yr old returned home from preschool I had him play along with letters.
Now to get some great use out of competitiveness and sibling rivalry. Have each child hold the end of their yarn strand with the square at their hands. Tell them to shake the yarn to get the square to the doorknob. Make it a race!
This activity is also great for one child, too. Use their determination (which we all know they have) to jump and shake that square to the doorknob.
Be prepared for a lot of jumping, wiggling, and giggling. This was so much fun for everyone, especially me standing back watching them burn off some energy while learning and having a blast.
PLEASE NOTE: This activity is designed to be parent involved. Do not use this activity as a busy activity while you leave the room. The long strands of yarn can be dangerous with young children if not supervised. You will need to monitor your children closely and be sure they do not wrap themselves with the yarn.
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Kim is a contributing writer for No Time For Flash Cards, a mom to a toddler, a preschooler, and a foster parent, too. She juggles her day by trying out fun activities and crafts with the kids. After all, she is just a big kid herself. See what she has been up to over at Mom Tried It.
melissa says
love it! but i have no foam on hand…maybe a dash to the store today:) i think my 4 year old would love this!
Jennifer says
I LOVE this!! And I have plenty of both on hand!! Thank you for sharing!
Sandy says
So cool and yet another activity I can do while we are stuck indoors due to the frigid cold we are having! Thanks for sharing!
JDaniel4's Mom says
This looks like so much fun!
Kim Young says
Melissa- Grab a piece of cardboard. It will work almost as good. It is harder to do colors, but shapes and anything written will work great. 🙂
Kelly says
Love it! We’re going to use it to practice letters and numbers. My son isn’t the “sit down and do worksheets” kind of kid, this will be great! Thank you!