Clothespins are some of my favorite tools for learning. This easy math activity for preschool aged kids uses them along with your child’s imagination and love of mundane adult things like hanging clean socks on the line. The number matching activity wasn’t easy for my daughter at first but after she got the hang of it, it was a breeze. And the turning point was folding the sock over the line and then she could pin it herself. This can be set up, played with and taken down over and over.
- Gather your materials. You will need some fabric paint, socks ( try the dollar store if you don’t have extras at home), some wired ribbon, marker, a basket, clothes pins and something to secure the ribbon to the wall.
- Start by painting numbers on your socks. I let ours dry for 2 full days… just in case.
- Write the numbers on your clothes pins. I did 2 sets one for my daughter and the other with simple equations for my son. He wasn’t into this activity “It’s kinda for little kids Mom.” so I will use this clothes pins for a “big kid” activity like this one instead.
- Set your clothesline up and pop the socks in the basket. Invite your little learner to hang out the wash.
- The way I had it set up originally required me to help her and it slowed things down. She was frustrated not being able to do it herself.
- So we switched things up and she was clearly thrilled.
- I took all the pins off and put the socks on the line folded over.
- Then she grabbed the matching pin and clipped it on.
After that, she was golden and quickly matched the numbers up. It took a lot of coordination to get the correct pin on. 
For other math activities for preschool aged kids, make sure to follow me on Facebook!
If you teach preschool or preschool at home, you will love my Little School eBook of preschool activities.
Jen says
What a great idea! I can upcycle some of my missing pairs for learning fun for the little ones. Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been enjoying your learning adventures with your children for years now.
Jen
Creative and Curious Kids!
jen says
Cannot wait to try this one w/my toddler! Thank you so much!
Julie says
Wonderful! I love how you modified things to make it less frustrating for her 🙂
Kathy Sykes says
This is an amazing learning project. Will be using!
Jenny says
I look forward to using this with my 3 y/o son. Thank you for the awesome post!
Q/Daughter’s age?
Allison McDonald says
Thanks! She is 33 months.
Linda says
I look forward to trying this with a down syndrome child I work with.