Lacing Cards

Lacing develops the hand-eye coordination and sequential thinking necessary for writing and sewing.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Preliminary Exercises
• Level: Ages 3-4

Objectives

• Develop hand-eye coordination
• Practice sequential movements
• Build pre-writing skills

Materials

• Lacing cards with pre-punched holes
• Thick laces with stiff ends
• Tray

Instructions

1. Select a lacing card. 2. Begin at the top hole. 3. Thread lace through from front to back. 4. Move to the next hole and thread from back to front. 5. Continue in and out pattern around the card. 6. At the end, unlace and start again.

Educator tip

Start with cards that have few, large holes spaced far apart. Progress to more holes and smaller spacing. Some children prefer to go all one direction first.

Assessment

Child laces the entire card independently in an even pattern.

More from Practical Life

• Using Clothespins
• Carrying Objects on a Tray (Complex)
• Opening and Closing Locks
• Using a Stapler
• Transferring with Tweezers
• Gluing with a Brush
• Peeling Activities: Eggs and Fruit
• Using a Ruler to Draw Lines