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    Home » Learning Activities

    Modified: Apr 14, 2022 · Published: May 16, 2012 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Patterned Bead Snakes

    200 shares

    A while ago the kids made Paper Pattern Snakes and they were a big hit. Recently, when the twins came home from school with snakes they made with pipe cleaners and random colored beads, I got inspired. We had all the supplies we needed to make these patterned bead snakes at home, but I thought I could sneak in some learning and have the kids only use two colors of beads and create a pattern.

    We had all the supplies we needed to make these patterned bead snakes at home. The kids only used two colors of beads to create a pattern.

    Supplies:

    • Pipe cleaner (we used green but you can use any color since you won't see it under the beads.)
    • Beads in two colors (or more depending on the age of the child and how complex a pattern you want to make)
    • Small jingle bell
    • Red and green construction paper
    • Black marker
    • Glue
    red and green construction paper and beads

    The jingle bell not only serves as the rattle on the snake, but it keeps all the beads from falling off. String the jingle bell through the end of the pipe cleaner and fold the pipe cleaner over about ½ and inch. When the kids start putting the beads on the snake, just have then slide the first few over this end of the pipe cleaner.

    pipe cleaner with a bell on the end

    Ask your child what 2 color beads they want for their snake and place the beads in a cup. Explain that they will be making a pattern snake by placing the beads on the pipe cleaner to form a pattern.

    child putting beads on a pipe cleaner

    Little C loved making her pattern snake. She has not figured out patterns yet, but she loves doing what her big sisters are doing. If you have younger ones, you can give them multi-colored beads for their snake and just focus on the fine motor workout they will be getting.

    child putting beads on a pipe cleaner

    Even the older girls got to practice their fine motor skills, which will come in handy as they work on their pencil grips and writing.

    child putting beads on a pipe cleaner

    B was happily making her pattern when I noticed she had placed two yellow beads next to each other. When I suggested she check her pattern she pointed to each bead saying "yellow, pink, yellow, pink" until she discovered the two yellow beads. She was then able to correct her work.

    beads on a pipe cleaner

    When the snakes are done you will want to add a head. I cut an oval out of green construction paper and glued on a tongue I made using the red paper. Add some simple eyes drawn with a black marker and you have yourself a snake head! To attach the snake head, simply poke the remaining end of the pipe cleaner through the back of the head and fold the pipe cleaner over.

    paper snake head

    Here are our snakes. One of these things is not like the other...

    patterned bead snake

    This activity can be done with a wide range of ages. You will want to be sure you don't try this with any little ones who still put things in their mouths. The pattern can get more complicated with older children so they are still challenged.

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    Comments

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    1. Vicky says

      May 18, 2012 at 10:12 pm

      @Judy, thanks, I'm a lucky mama!
      @Renee, They really liked shaking the bell on the snakes when they were done.
      @Kristen, yes, you can totally change the colors to work for boys or girls or even use sports team colors.
      @Growing a Jeweled Rose, Anytime I can get some fine motor work in I am happy!

      Reply
    2. Growing a Jeweled Rose says

      May 18, 2012 at 6:23 am

      These are adorable! What a great fine motor activity too!

      Reply
    3. School Sparks Renee says

      May 17, 2012 at 2:24 am

      What a cute way to teach patterning! The girls look like they are having fun! Renee

      Reply
    4. Kristen @ Busy Kids = Happy Mom says

      May 17, 2012 at 2:57 am

      This is so cute! Great craft for boys and girls!

      Reply
    5. Cranberry Morning says

      May 16, 2012 at 11:40 am

      Those are some lucky kids! What a fun craft for them. 🙂

      Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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