And the bead goes on...

Age: 18 Months to 5 Years

Get Ready: For very young children you will want to find some large beads (we used empty thread spools) and a thick piece of string, shoestring or cord. For older children smaller beads and thinner string will do.

Get Set: Tie a big sturdy knot in one end of the string. Tightly tape the other end of the string to keep it from unraveling and to make it easier to string the beads.

Sit Back and Watch Your Child Go: Show your younger child how to push the string through the hole in the bead and move it to the end of the cord until the knot stops it. When your child has strung all of the beads, show him how to pull the beads off one at a time and place them back into their container.

As Your Child Grows: She may want to wear the beads as a necklace for a while to admire her finished project. As she completes this simple experience she will develop patience, concentration and eye-hand coordination.

Your Child Will Love: The colors and shapes of the beads, hearing the beads clack together, seeing all of the beads on the cord, the responsibility of carrying the container full of beads.