Put one hand in, put the other hand in... and thread it!

Threading is a fun way for kids to use their two hands together.  

Older babies and toddlers love to post things into various containers.  As they develop skills in posting, they hold onto the container with one hand and post with other hand.  Gradually, toddlers are able to manipulate smaller objects and put them into smaller holes.  This is a precursor to threading.  

Threading requires coordination of two hands together.  That is, bilateral coordination.  One hand holds the "string" and the other hand holds the "bead". The "bead" hand needs to be held steady as the "string" hand moves to thread.  The child then needs to be able to grab onto the string as it pokes through the bead with the hand which was holding the bead.   

There are so many objects that can be threaded (anything with a hole) and there are many things that these objects can be threaded onto (ok...that is really obvious).  However, there are ways to help a child to develop threading skills depending on the objects used as the "string" and "bead". 

Here is a an example of how you can progress a child who is developing skills in threading.  Ages are approximate and may vary for different children.

For beginners: Large wooden animals and string has long wooden tip. 
{approx 18 months+}

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Early threading: Straws cut into medium lengths and stiff pipe cleaners.
{approx 2 years+}

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Basic threading: Medium size pasta shapes and string.
{approx 2 years+}

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Happy to thread: Large cotton reels and string.  
{approx 3 years+}

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Confident threader: Small alphabet beads and wool.  
{approx 4 years+}

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Advanced threader: Very small beads of various shapes and very thin fishing wire.
{approx 5 years+}

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Here is a handy tip: Place some masking tape around the tip of the string to help with poking into the bead.  It gives your child something firm to grab onto as it pokes out of the bead.

What is your child's favourite threading activity?