an activity for all preschoolers:
These beaded candy canes are a treat to make!

before you begin:
To make these festive candy canes, all you'll need are pipe cleaners along with white, green and red pony beads.

activity goals:
To build fine motor and counting skills with a festive beading activity.
To practice sorting and sequencing.


furthermore:
To practice more complex sequencing, have children use 16 white beads, 8 of a second color and 8 of a third color. Challenge children to alternate between bead colors and continue using the same pattern throughout their candy cane.

let's get started

 
step 1
Have each child count out 32 beads: 16 in white and 16 in another color such as green or red. This is a great opportunity for the children to practice counting and sorting.
step 2
Form a ball at one end of the pipe cleaners to keep the beads from falling off as they are added.
step 3
Begin stringing the pony beads onto the pipe cleaners in the desired sequence.
step 4
When finished, form another ball at the other end and bend the pipe cleaner into the shape of a cane.
step 5
Tie a piece of yarn to the top for an easy-to-hang ornament.