Cheerios Counting Necklace
Toddlers build counting and fine motor skills.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Summer Time
- Learning area: Mathematics
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- String Cheerios with help
- count to 5.
Instructions
Materials
- One box of O-shaped toasted oat cereal
- Pre-cut lengths of thick yarn or soft shoelaces
- Masking tape to secure the ends of the yarn
- Small plastic bowls for each child
- A tray to contain loose cereal
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate the ability to grasp small objects using a pincer grasp.
- Practise one-to-one correspondence by placing one item at a time onto the string.
- Develop hand-eye coordination through threading movements.
- Engage in sensory exploration of textures and shapes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the workspace by placing a small bowl of cereal and a piece of yarn in front of each toddler.
2. Wrap a small piece of masking tape around one end of the yarn to create a stiff tip, which makes threading easier for small hands.
3. Secure the opposite end of the yarn to the table with a piece of tape to prevent the cereal from sliding off while the child works.
4. Model the action by slowly picking up one piece of cereal and sliding it onto the yarn.
5. Use simple language such as "one cereal, on the string" to reinforce the concept of counting.
6. Encourage the toddler to pick up a single piece of cereal and attempt to guide it onto the yarn.
7. Provide physical assistance by guiding their hand if they become frustrated, but allow them to complete the threading independently when possible.
8. Acknowledge their effort with positive verbal reinforcement as each piece is added.
9. Continue the activity for five to ten minutes or until the child loses interest.
10. Tie the ends of the yarn together to create a wearable necklace once the child has finished.
Educator Tip
Toddlers often want to eat the materials during this activity. Provide a separate small snack bowl for them to enjoy while they work to reduce the temptation to eat the threading pieces. If a child struggles with the fine motor task, use thicker pipe cleaners instead of yarn to provide more stability.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can successfully pick up a single piece of cereal using their fingers.
- Note whether the child attempts to place the cereal onto the string or simply plays with the materials.
- Record if the child responds to verbal prompts regarding the quantity of cereal pieces on their string.
Assessment
Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Participation, counting attempts, threading.