Cardboard templates with holes

Age
3-6

Materials

 * Cardboard templates with holes.
 * A contrasting colored shoelace.

Preparation
This can be an individual or a group presentation.

Make sure the template is prepared and the knot at one end of the shoelace is tied before you begin the presentation.

Presentation

 * 1) Directress takes the tray of materials from the shelf and brings it to the table.
 * 2) Directress takes the shoelace, hold the unknotted end with the thumb and the index finger.
 * 3) Take the shoelace and go through the holes in the template, moving it "up through" and "down through" the holes till it ends at the last hole.
 * 4) When finished, show the child how to take it out by picking and pulling the last bit of shoelace from the next hole that we are going to take out from.
 * 5) Pull the shoelace back through the hole. (i.e. the opposite direction)

Control Of Error
The templates with the punched holes provide guidelines for the child.

Points Of Interest
The children should be given a prepared set of materials for them to do the similar exercise after the demonstration. They may take cards for father's day, mother's day, etc by using attractive shaped cardboard template and colored ribbons.

Purpose
Direct aims: 


 * To introduce the child to sewing.

Indirect aims: 


 * To develop the child's fine motor control.
 * To develop the child's concentration.
 * To develop the child's independence.
 * To prepare the child's skill for later project work.

Variation
May use attractively shaped cardboard templates (hearts, animals, etc). May use different materials for sewing (colored ribbons, thick wool and raffia string).

Links
Adventures In Lacing