Learning to Count with Pipe Cleaner Numbers

2.08.2016

Set up a simple invitation to practice math skills such as number recognition, counting, and 1:1 correspondence with two materials-- pony beads and pipe cleaners.  

This math activity is a great way for your child to strengthen those fine motor skills, too as your child threads beads onto the pipe cleaner numbers.  

It is a great activity for your preschool or kindergarten aged child!
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preschool counting with pipe cleaner numbers

Supplies:


Pipe Cleaner Numbers Counting Activity


Either prep the pipe cleaner numbers prior to your child using the tray, or work alongside your child creating the pipe cleaner numbers together.

Bend and twist the pipe cleaners into the numbers 0-9.

If necessary, cut the pipe cleaners with scissors.  This is great practice to strengthen fine motor skills!

pipe cleaner numbers preschool counting activity

Once the pipe cleaners have been shaped into numbers, set out a small bowl of pony beads.

Encourage your child to thread a certain number of beads on each pipe cleaner number.

Some numbers may be a bit tricky, like number 8-- you will need to unwrap the pipe cleaner a bit to thread the beads on the number.

counting with pipe cleaner numbers

Continue until all the pipe cleaner numbers have a corresponding amount of pony beads.

Once done, work on addition, odd/ even numbers, subtraction, etc!

Such a simple and playful way to explore math!

pipe cleaner numbers counting activity

Another fun and playful way to learn with pipe cleaners is by shaping them into letters!  

Once you have bent and twisted all the pipe cleaners into letters of the alphabet, challenge your child to spell words from his/her spelling list!  It's the perfect activity for older kiddos!

  99 fine motor ideas for ages 1 to 5