Beads

A good project for observing kids, to check on basic color/shape vocabulary and eye-hand coordination skills.

Objectives

Children ages 3-4 years will be able to sequences beads in left-right linear pattern Cog. IIID
one-to-one correspondence with shape and bead Cog. IIIC
match objects (beads) by shape and color Cog. IIIA
and string beads FM II

 
 
 

Materials

Beads of varying sizes and shapes in shallow container; string; bead patterning cards with shapes and colors that match beads; cards should have 2-5 shapes arranged horizontally.

Procedures

1. Have children sit around a table with beads in the center of the table.

Give each child a string. Let children string beads in any sequence they choose.

2. Ask children to point to a red bead, a red circle on the pattern card, etc.

If children recognize shape and color, have them follow these directions:

String a round bead; a round and a square; string a blue bead; a blue and a yellow bead. If child is correct, have the child string two colored shapes, e.g., a red bead and a yellow square.

3. If child follows verbal sequencing directions, let him/her try a pattern card with two shapes on it. If he/she sequences two, give longer sequences.

Younger children may be asked to match beads one-to-one.