• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Email Me
    • Disclosure & Copyright
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Books for Moms

Creative Family Fun

Your one-stop shop for kids activities and family fun

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Spelling Activities
  • Family Fun
  • STEM
  • Movie Night
  • Toddler Activities

Learning Activities for Kids

Bead Threading Fine Motor Addition Activity

December 11, 2020 By Terri Thompson

Fine motor and math is such a fun combination.

It turns math into a fun and hands-on activity. What could be better?

This Bead Threading Fine Motor Addition activity does just that. It turn addition in a hands-on activity that’s engaging and fun. Let’s grab some supplies and get started.

Exercise your fine motor skills while you practice your addition math facts with this fun bead threading fine motor addition activity.

Disclosure: CraftProjectIdeas.com provided the supplies used in this post. This activity and all ideas are my own. There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

I love this activity because it requires just a little prep time. The supplies are common and easy to find and prepping this activity takes just a few short minutes.

Supplies needed for your fine motor addition activity

Fuzzy craft sticks (pipe cleaners)
Pony Beads
Flashcards or a place to write addition problems

Shop for pony beads here.

To prep this activity, take two or three of your pipe cleaners and twist them into a loop making sure you have two tails with enough room to string several beads. (See photo above for an example).

How to play this fine motor addition activity

This activity is so simple, but it’s a fun way to practice addition.

To start, you’ll need one of your pipe cleaner loops. Choose an addition problem and grab your beads.

Take the sum, 3 + 7. To solve this problem, add three beads to one of the pipe cleaner tails and then add seven beads to the second tail. Count up your beads to get your total, ten.

So easy, right?

Fun variations on this activity

There are so many fun ways you can mix up this activity. Here are a few:

Add beads yourself to your pipe cleaner loops and have your child write down the addition problem. For example, in the photo above, they’d write, 3+1=4, 3+2=5, and 3+7=10.

If you’re working with a preschooler, keep the pipe cleaners in a long stick and have your child work on numbers. Give them the number 9 and have them string nine beads on their pipe cleaner.

Create a busy bag from this activity. Add some flashcards, beads and pipe cleaner loops to a small bag. Now you can take this activity along on the go or have it ready for your child any time they want to work on addition.

Exercise your fine motor skills while you practice your addition math facts with this fun bead threading fine motor addition activity.

You may also like one of these math activities:

Addition Card Game: Addition War

Subtraction with Loose Parts Math Activity

Build Numbers with a Fun Place Value Activity

Thumbprint Addition at Rainy Day Mum

You’ll love these other fine motor math manipulatives

There is such a wealth of fine motor math manipulatives. Check out some of these options you can use for practicing math, subtraction, and more.

Do you want to do more activities with your family?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Construction Truck Alphabet Matching Activity for Toddlers

December 11, 2020 By Trisha

Does your toddler love trucks? Build on that interest and practice learning letters with this Construction Truck Alphabet Matching Activity for Toddlers.

With this activity, we’ll work on letter recognition, letter sounds, and differentiating between upper case and lower case letters.

Help your toddler and preschooler learn the alphabet with this fun Construction Truck Alphabet Matching activity. It's a fun and hands-on way to learn.

Construction Truck Alphabet Matching Activity for Toddlers

Supplies Needed for Toddler Alphabet Game

  • Paper
  • Marker
  • Construction truck (we used a dump truck and a scooper construction truck)
  • Painter’s tape (optional)
  • Paper circle punch (optional)

Set-Up Your Alphabet Matching Game

The setup for this alphabet game is super easy. All you need are letters and a truck. I used a paper circle punch to cut out paper circles. Then, I wrote a letter on each circle – capital letter on one side, lower case on the other side. I drew a line under each of my lower case letters just so you can tell which way to read the letters. Instead of paper letters, you could use magnet letters. (Just be sure to supervise when using magnets especially if you choose small letters. I like these jumbo wooden letter magnets from Melissa and Doug.)

Next, you need a starting place and a landing area for the letters. I used painter’s tape to mark these areas. Double check your surface before using tape on it. Short term is usually fine for painter’s tape. If you leave it on too long (like overnight), it can damage your surface. Instead of tape, you can use a piece of paper or a tray.

Write capital letters on the tape or paper at your landing area.

Place all of your paper letters on the starting lines. I had the lower case letters facing up. The goal is to match the lower case letters with the capital letters written at the landing area.

How to Play This Alphabet Matching Game

Encourage your child to choose a paper circle. What letter do you see? Ask your child to say the name of the letter. (You can also work on letter sounds.) If she doesn’t know the name of the lower case letter, have her turn the circle over and look at the upper case letter. Does she know the name of the letter now?

Have a construction truck carry the letter to the landing area.

Match the paper circle to the correct capital letter at the landing area. Say: “Can you find the letter ___?”

You could also point to the capital letters and have your child say the name of each one until you get the matching letter.

Place the paper circle on top of the correct capital letter. Take your construction truck back to the start and get another letter.

My toddler loved playing this construction truck alphabet matching game. It was a great way for me to realize what letters he already knows and which ones he could use more practice with.

Once we had done all 26 letters, he wanted to play again. And so we did.

More Alphabet Learning Games for Toddlers

Snowball Toss Alphabet Game – Practice letter recognition and letter sounds with a pretend snowball fight.

Alphabet Jumping Games – Pretend to be frog and get jumping from letter to letter.

Driveway ABC Game – Head outside with some chalk to play this outdoor alphabet game.

Do you want to do more activities with your kids?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Pumpkin Pie Fractions Activity

October 19, 2020 By Terri Thompson

My nine-year-old learned about fractions with pizza. That’s such a yummy idea.

But now that Thanksgiving is coming soon, I needed to come up with another – but equally yummy – idea for fractions.

I thought round and I thought delicious. I thought pumpkin pie. Pumpkin Pie Fractions.

Yum.

Learn all about fractions with this fun Thanksgiving math activity - Pumpkin Pie Fractions. There are so many different ways to play with this math tool.

This Pumpkin Pie Fractions activity is so easy to create. Once you have it made, it will hold up for hours of hands-on math fun.

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Supplies Needed:

4 paper plates
Orange craft paint
Light brown craft paint
Black permanent marker
Ruler
Scissors

How to make your pie fractions:

Start with the paint. Use your light brown paint to paint the ridged edges of your paper plates. This is your crust.

Next, paint the middle section of your paper plates with orange paint. Don’t worry about making sure your lines are straight. Remember, pies never look perfect!

Once your paint is dry, use your ruler to divide the pie into fractions. One pie will be divided into half. Divide the second pie into thirds, the third pie into fourths, and the fourth pie into eights. Trace your lines with your black permanent marker.

Label each of the pies with the corresponding fraction using your permanent marker.

Finally, cut each pie along the dividing lines.

Your pumpkin pies are ready!

How can you play with your Pumpkin Pie Fractions?

Use them as puzzles.

Give your kids a pile of mixed up pie pieces and have them put each pie together. They’ll have to match the type of fraction and then make a whole pie. This is a great way to easily see how many of each fraction makes a whole.

Make equal pie wedges (make equivalent fractions).

How many quarter pieces do you need to make a half piece. Use the bigger wedge as a guide to fill in with smaller pieces.

Make a mixed up fraction pie.

Can you make a whole pie using different sized fractions? Let you kids experiment to find different combinations.

Build other fractions with your pie pieces.

Make a 3/8 wedge by putting together three 1/8 wedges. Or make 3/4 with three of the quarter pieces. What other sizes can you make?

Learn all about fractions with this fun Thanksgiving math activity - Pumpkin Pie Fractions. There are so many different ways to play with this math tool.

Let their homework be the guide.

What is your child working on in class? Use your pie as a hands-on tool to supplement their learning at home. If you need more pie sizes (maybe divided into fifths, sixths, or sevenths), just grab a few more paper plates.

Let your kids lead the way.

My girls set up a pie shop and sold all their different wedges. They had no idea how much they were learning along the way! I just sat back and let them have some fun.

How would you use these Pumpkin Pie Fractions?

More Thanksgiving Activities to Try:

Tell Time with a Turkey Clock

12 Turkey Crafts for Thanksgiving

Printable Thanksgiving Word Searches for Kids

Thanksgiving Math Activities for Kids

Turkey Craft using Pattern Block Shapes at Buggy & Buddy

Learn all about fractions with this fun Thanksgiving math activity - Pumpkin Pin Fractions. There are so many different ways to play with this math tool.

My Must-Have Math Resources:

Sometimes, as much as you want to prep a fun hands-on math activity, you just don’t have the time. That why I love having a few math games on hand.

Here are some great options. Your kids will have so much fun that they won’t realize how much they’re learning.

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for Kids

September 25, 2020 By Terri Thompson

I don’t know about you, but I always want to get outside on a beautiful fall day to look at the colors and enjoy the crisp cool air.

These fun autumn scavenger hunts are the perfect family activity to get you and your kids outside.

Fun autumn scavenger hunts for kids

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Are you ready to have some fun?

These scavenger hunt ideas are all so much fun! You can hunt for the makings of a nature sensory bin or look at all the colors around you.

All of these ideas are perfect for exploring fall treasures and will get your family outside, exercising, and having fun.

Autumn Scavenger Hunts for Kids

Get outside and explore this fall with this fun selection of autumn scavenger hunts for kids.

Neighborhood Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Explore the Halloween decorations in your neighborhood with this fun scavenger hunt.

Thanksgiving Game: Photo Scavenger Hunt on Your Smartphone

Photo Credit: www.kcedventures.com

Use this free printable Thanksgiving scavenger hunt to take photos of things you are thankful for.

Fall Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: organized31.com

This fall nature scavenger hunt is fun for kids of all ages, but the pictures on the printables makes it perfect for preschoolers.

Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: www.reallifeathome.com

Go on a scavenger hunt at the pumpkin patch with this fun scavenger hunt idea.

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt

Photo Credit: www.craftymomsshare.com

Go on a leaf scavenger hunt with this fun idea based on the book We're Going on a Leaf Hunt.

Autumn Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Photo Credit: blissfuldomestication.com

Hunt for items in nature with this fun scavenger hunt which included photos on the printable to help you identify everything.

Printable Fall Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: wondermomwannabe.com

This fall scavenger hunt has 33 items which makes it perfect for a group activity.

Scarecrow Hunt with FREE Printable

Photo Credit: capriplus3.com

Hide the pieces of a scarecrow around the house and let your kids find them to put together with this great idea for a scavenger hunt craft.

Forest Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: www.kcedventures.com

Go on a scavenger hunt on a hike in the forest with this fun idea.

Nature Color Wheel Printable Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: mothernatured.com

Explore the colors of fall with this fun nature color wheel scavenger hunt.

Signs of Autumn Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Photo Credit: rhythmsofplay.com

Search for the signs of autumn with this fun scavenger hunt.

Fall Scavenger Hunt List

Photo Credit: www.kcedventures.com

Go on a simple fall scavenger hunt with this list that would be perfect for a trip to the park or nature center.

Search for Autumn Printable for Kids

Photo Credit: www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

Search for autumn and sketch your finds in this fun printable mini booklet.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: www.messylittlemonster.com

This simple fall nature scavenger hunt is perfect for your toddler or preschooler.

Nature Hunt Cardboard Hearts

Photo Credit: www.learningandexploringthroughplay.com

Make your own nature hunt on these fun cardboard hearts.

Nature Sensory Bin Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Photo Credit: rhythmsofplay.com

Collect items on a nature hunt to make your own sensory bin with this fun idea.

Fall Camping Scavenger Hunt

Photo Credit: www.lookwerelearning.com

Go on a fall scavenger hunt at the campground with this fun idea!

Which one is your favorite? I can’t decide, they’re all so awesome!

Enjoy the outdoors this fall with one of these fun Autumn Scavenger Hunts for kids. Your family will have so much fun exploring fall treasures.

More Family Outdoor Activities

10 Fun Family Exercise Ideas

Discover a New Playground for Outdoor Family Fun

10 Fun Walk Ideas for Families

Tips for Hiking with Toddlers

Find More Outdoor Family Ideas in One of These Books

We’ve got a small library of books at home to help inspire us to get outside together. Here are some recommendations you may want to add to your home library.

Do you want to do more activities with your family?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

Spider Toss Number Game for Toddlers

September 17, 2020 By Trisha

Spiders are a fun learning theme that’s popular around Halloween. Try our spider toss number game for toddlers to practice number recognition.

Practice number recognition with your toddlers when you play this fun Spider Toss Number Game. It's so much fun to play and learn!

Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate and other affiliate links in this article which means, at no additional cost to you, we could receive compensation for our recommendations. You can read our full disclosure policy on our Disclosure Page for more details.

Spider Toss Number Game for Toddlers

What You’ll Need for the Number Game

Painter’s tape
Cardstock or paper (recycled paper would be great for this)
Marker
Scissors or paper cutter
Spider (made from 5 bump chenille stems)

How to Setup the Spider Themed Number Game

Use your painter’s tape to create a spider web. I like to start with a + and an x. Then connect the lines to make the web. [Painter’s tape should be fine on most surfaces but I don’t recommend leaving it on for long periods of time. Use a large piece of cardboard, posterboard, foamboard, or something similar if you’re wanting to play longer.]

Cut up cardstock or a piece of paper into small squares. Write a number on each square. I used the numbers 1-10. Work on higher numbers if your child is ready. You could even work on number words with older children.

Place the numbers around the spider web.

Create your spider with 5 bump chenille stems (pipe cleaners). I simply twisted the chenille stems together and then wrapped the stems around and around to create the spider body, 8 legs, and 2 pedipalps (short appendages by the spider’s head). I first made this spider for a sponsored post. You can watch a video or read step by step instructions on how to make the pipe cleaner spiders.

Feel free to use any toy spider you have around. Spider erasers or the plastic spiders found in the Halloween section would work well, too. Just be careful of the small size around toddlers who still like to put things in their mouths. A homemade cardboard tube spider would be great for this activity as well.

How to Play the Spider Toss Number Game

Have you child stand near the spider web and toss the spider onto it. What number does the spider land near?

Continue tossing and dropping the spider as long as your child is interested.

The goal is to talk about the numbers as much as possible. Are there certain numbers your child tends to struggle with?

As a second option, you can call out a number and have your child toss or place the spider on that number.

Say, “Where is the number 4? Can you take your spider to the number 4?”

Practice number recognition with your toddlers when you play this fun Spider Toss Number Game.

This is a super simple way for toddlers to practice naming numbers. The spider adds a bit of fun and interest.

If you want to practice counting from 1 to 10, have your child move the spider from number to number in the correct order.

Practice number recognition with your toddlers when you play this fun Spider Toss Number Game. It's so much fun to play and learn!

More Spider Web Games for Preschoolers

Spider Math Games – Work with a number line to practice counting and number recognition.

Fizzy Spider Web Art – Combine science and art to create colorful fizzy spider webs.

Sticky Spider Web Gross Motor Activity – Build a sticky web and see if your spider can catch what you throw.

Spider Web Walking Game – Can you balance on the spider’s web? Another great one for working on gross motor skills for toddlers.

Do you want to do more activities with your family?

Join our fun Facebook community, Creative Family Fun for Busy Families, for daily activities that are great for kids and families. We’ll chat, share, and have fun. It’s a safe and private place to share ideas for family and kids activities.

I’d love for you to join me! Just click the link below, request to join, and answer the questions (they’re easy, I promise). Come join the fun! Join the Creative Family Fun for Busy Families community here.

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 61
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Footer

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Designed by The Blog Surgery

Creative Family Fun uses cookies to improve your experience. These cookies provide feedback to our analytics and advertisers. We use the information to track views of the site, where you go and to know if you are a regular visitor or brand new as well as provide a personalized experience where possible. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.