toddler threading: cardboard tube "beads"

A few reasons threading is so great for toddlers:

• strengthens fine motor control
• encourages concentration
• develops hand-eye coordination
• supports a sense of order and sequence
• provides direct preparation for sewing
• provides indirect preparation for math and language

While Elise seemed ready to give threading a try, I didn't feel ready to spend $30 on toddler beads! Deb from Sixtine et Victoire shared some lovely threading and beading activities awhile back, and I remembered that one of them was simply made out of cut up paper towel and toilet paper tubes.  Free AND easy to make?  Woo hoo!  Plus, the large size of the cardboard tube "beads" would make them easier to thread and pose less of a choking risk if E decided to do any oral exploring.  

To class up our cardboard tubes a bit, Elise and I glued on some leftover wrapping paper before I cut them into "beads." If you're interested, please scroll down for a little photo tutorial. I know, it's probably a no-brainer, but sometimes detailed explanations come in handy - especially if your toddler is teething, or something, and you're sleep-deprived like me.  :)

  

^^Elise wore her threaded cardboard tube "beads" as a necklace all morning!^^

Of course, you don't have to make a necklace - half the fun of threading is in the un-threading!  ;)