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Fine Motor Skills Counting Activity

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I love activities that are easy, fun, and educational.  That’s a win all the way around.  I found some pipe cleaners in my closet and remembered an activity I had seen here using pipe cleaners and beads to reinforce number skills. This Fine Motor Skills Counting Activity is great for little hands and kids who are starting to learn numbers and one to one correspondence as are these Counting Games.

Fine Motor Skills Counting Activity - great for little hands and kids who are starting to learn numbers and one to one correspondence

 

Fine Motor Skills Counting Activity

You will need:

This activity took a little preparation on my part.  I found some masking tape and made little flags on the pipe cleaners and numbered them 1-10. I gave the girls some beads and showed them how they could look at the number and place the correct amount of beads on the pipe cleaner.  We did a few together and counted to check our work.

counting beads
I have to admit, I was curious about how well the girls would do with this.  They are great at number recognition and counting, but this was a lot of both.  I also know that B likes to do her own thing, and for her being able to do something and actually doing it are two different things.  B also can struggle with fine motor work so I wondered if she would get frustrated with this activity.  But she was very patient and determined.

 

fine motor activity for kids
B checking her work.
counting math activity
Both girls tired out after doing 8 out of 10 pipe cleaners, which is honestly more than I thought they would do. The twins exhibited some great mathematical thinking during this activity.  A was working on her # 9 pipe cleaner and she wanted to see if she had enough beads on it.  She counted 6 beads and said, “I just need 3 more.”  I was shocked that she just seemed to know that.
A proudly shows off her finished work on this fine motor skills counting activity.
number beads
fine motor math game
Some final notes:  You can also use this with the beads matching the color of the pipe cleaners for added color practice.  And finally, the beads and pipe cleaners can be found at the dollar store and used for so many other things.  Pick some up on your next trip!
If you liked this fine motor skills counting activity, check out:
         Ice Cream Math Games                                  Number Book
           
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Vicky

 

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Comments

  2. Jackie H. says

    Love it. My oldest used to love the beads on a pipe cleaner but lately he's not interested. I think adding the numeral recognition and counting step would spice it back up for him. Thanks for coming by Ready. Set. Read!

    Reply

  12. Amy says

    What a great idea, and so simple! I think I have everything I need for it already too.

    Thanks for following from the hop. I'm following back. Happy Labor day!

    Reply

  13. Rosann says

    These are so cute! You display some of the cutest craft ideas on your blog. I definitely need to spend more time surfing around here to see what other cool stuff I can find for my girls to enjoy.

    Blessings,
    Rosann

    Reply

  15. Tina says

    Just found you on Bloggy Moms and I LOVE this. I am your newest follower 🙂 Feel free to check out my new blog! I'd love your opinion! You have so many great ideas here 🙂

    Reply

  37. Irene says

    You're just so brilliant, Vicky! And you make me want to have kids right now! Haha! I could use all of your creative ideas if I do have one!

    A and B are so adorable!!! Oh boy, I really want to have kids right now! LOL

    Reply

  38. Kadie says

    This is a fantastic idea!! I am going to try this during the week with my son! Thank you for visiting and following my blog! I am happily following you back. You have a great blog I will be back often, I am sure!

    Reply

  44. Marcia says

    Hi Vicky,
    Love your site! I'm also a teacher.
    Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm now following you back.
    Have a great week.
    Marcia 🙂 Learning Ideas – Grades k-8

    Reply

  53. Kelli says

    What a super cute idea!! And so simple =) Once we get through the number 10, I am going to try it out =) Thanks for stopping by my blog and following =) I am looking forward to following along with you as well! Have a great week.

    Reply

  54. Kristy @ Emme & Me says

    Hi Vicky! Love this idea! Emme is 9 and struggling with her times tables. I think I'll use this with her but have her put a set of blue and a set of red that would equal the number on the pipe cleaner! Thanks for the idea!
    Oh, and thanks for poppin by and becoming a follower. Have you seen the rubber ducky party? I've posted free printables for that one too.

    Reply

  56. Bonnie says

    Hi Vicky, Thanks for Following my Blog!! You are my first! 🙂 I just started blogging about my Preschooler… so stay tuned. Your blog looks awesome as well!! Thanks for the ideas.

    Reply

  62. Sarah says

    Hey! I stumbled your post. You stopped by my blog last week, but I'm just getting back to you! I like this activity. That is a difficult fine motor activity for your young ones! I used to teach first grade and can tell you that most of my students would have lost some beads and dropped a ton on the floor! Your daughter is doing algebra! 6 + x = 9. Way to go.

    Reply

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