8 Beading Activities for Preschoolers

There are many activities available for preschoolers to practice their fine motor skills, but beading surely belongs at the top of the list. Whether they are beading with large beads and pipe cleaners, threading beads onto yarn, or sorting beads by color, practicing these skills is incredibly helpful for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. Beading activities are proven to be fun and quick activities that don’t require a lot of prep time.

1. Wooden Lacing Beads

Use this oversized, easy-to-hold bead set with your preschoolers to help them practice sorting or motor skills. With clean-cut laces and brightly colored beads in different shapes, this set is perfect to have on hand for a quick center or busy bag activity.

Learn More: Oriental Trading Company

2. Pattern Practice

Many preschoolers are unfamiliar with sorting by color. This activity helps them understand both colors and patterns and is an ideal choice for preschoolers since the pipe cleaners are simple to bead. Students simply follow the color pattern provided on the cards. 

Learn More: Oriental Trading Company

3. Beading Made Easy Craft

This engaging activity will help preschoolers who are just learning how to use their little hands. Basic items like cut-up smoothie straws and a shoelace or ribbon will help young learners string up the perfect necklace with little struggle. 

Learn More: No Time For Flashcards

4. Bead Kaleidoscope

With a few common items from around the house and some beads, preschool kids will love putting together this colorful kaleidoscope that also doubles as a toy or sensory activity. 

Learn More: Darcy and Brian

5. Feather and Bead Lacing

This fun color-themed activity is three activities in one, combining color-matching, fine motor skills, and sensory play. Kids are sure to love stringing colored beads onto the vibrant feathers.

Learn More: childcareland

6. Start Big

Developing hands need plenty of practice with large, easily graspable objects before moving on to smaller ones. This activity provides just the necessary progression for young learners to thread increasingly smaller items. 

Learn More: The OT Guide

7. Alphabet Beads Activity

Older preschoolers will be able to identify their letters and names by stringing alphabet beads onto ribbon or lace. Kids are sure to appreciate the personalized touch that this activity provides and can extend the activity to include the names of family and friends. 

Learn More: The Activity Mom

8. Put Me in the Zoo

This Dr. Seuss-inspired activity is the perfect choice for kids who love to create with their hands. Why not encourage social skills by having young learners work cooperatively? 

Learn More: School Time Snippets