Pattern necklace

Besides being a fun creative excercise, stringing a bead necklace or bracelet builds skills kids need for school. Stringing beads builds fine motor skills that help children as they learn to write. Recognizing and repeating a pattern of colors and shapes gives kids a head start on algebra!

We made ours using buttons and embroidery thread, but you can use beads, colored cereal loops, yarn or whatever else you have on hand. Start by creating a pattern for your child to copy, varied by size and/or color. Take turns with your child creating and completing patterns with the colored beads or loops.