Fine Motor Skills

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Pool Noodle Threading

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

Pool Noodle Threading

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

Toddlers

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with  preschoolers.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• be introduced to the concept of threading.
• develop fine motor skills.
• practice hand-eye coordination and control.

CDA Competency Standard:   

II.4.3b

• Candidate’s facilitation promotes children’s physical development
  • b) Guides the development of children’s fine and gross motor skills

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Materials: 

• pool noodle
• knife
• string
• clothespin

Procedure: 

• Prepare for the activity by cutting the pool noddle into one inch pieces.
  
• These will act as your “beads” when threading.
• Take the clothespin and wrap the string around it several times.
  
• Secure with a few knots.
• Show the children how to thread by taking the clothespin and pushing it though the hole in each pool noodle bead.
• Encourage them to try it themselves! Remember, practice makes perfect.
  
• This is an introductory activity, so you will want to give them plenty of opportunities to practice. 

Assessment: 

• Take anecdotal notes on the children’s fine motor development. Were they successful in threading the pool noodle bead? ​

Note: Please provide appropriate supervision to the children in your care when completing all activities. You will need to decide what types of activities are safe for the children in your care. Appropriate and reasonable caution should be used when providing art and sensory experiences for children. Toddlers require special caution, only use non-toxic materials, and do not allow toddlers to put things in their mouths that are a choking hazard. ​​​

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