For this activity, Jacob worked with the numbers 1-10. However, this can easily be adapted to use with lower numbers (eg.1-5) or extended to use higher (1-20) – just make fewer or more holes.

  • Paper Plate
  • Pen
  • Hole punch
  • String
  • Scissors
  • Sellotape

  • Draw a spider in the middle of the paper plate
  • Punch holes around the edge of the paper plate
  • Write the numbers next to the holes in a random order
  • Cut a piece of string which will be the right length for the activity
  • Tie a knot in one end of the string
  • Wrap Sellotape around the other end (to make the threading easier)
  • Thread the string through the hole next to 1 (so that the knot is underneath the plate)
  • Ask your child which number comes next and ask him to thread the string through that hole (developing fine motor skills). Tip – thread downwards to ensure the string is on the front of the plate.
  • Repeat until finished

  • This is a great activity for teaching counting in 2s, 5s and 10s (when ready!)

  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Mathematics
  • Expressive Arts and Design