Practical Life: Threading

A favourite activity amongst children in the Montessori classroom is Bead Stringing, or Threading. It forms part of Practical Life and helps children develop concentration, fine motor control and also concentration, which will serve them with all other activities in the classroom. Have a look at this tutorial by my Montessori Works, which offers a simple demonstration of how to introduce threading to the 3-6 age group:

As suggested in the tutorial, beads used for threading may differ in size and colour, ranging from large to small, painted wood or natural grains. Even paper, with a hole punched through the middle will serve the purpose of the activity. Place the beads in a container – a muffin/cupcake baking try is perfect for the exercise but anything that allows that child to reach the beads easily will do.

Pipe cleaners are great for smaller children who are new to the activity or not yet dextrous enough to move on to threading with string.

Once the activity has been set up, children can then start threading; bead by bead, making sure that each bead reaches the end of the string (with a pre-tied knot to ensure the beads don’t come off) or pipe cleaner.

What’s so wonderful about this activity is the journey of discovery that children experience when stringing their beads. Whilst a directress or parent might need to show children how to do it at the outset, once they’ve got the knack they’ll start creating their own patterns and designs.

Threading is a task that requires patience and persistence; both important life skills. Plus, it’s great fun and children feel a real sense of accomplishment when they’ve mastered the art!

Source: https://montessorium.com/encyclopedia/bead-stringing” target=”_blank”>montessorium.com – “Bead Stringing”