Paper Plate Clock Face Threading – A Fine Motor Numbers Activity for Kids!
After my daughter finished the Number Matching Paper Plate Sunshine Craft, I punched holes along the edge of the plate so that she could practice threading. Since we don’t have a child-safe needle, I tied the yarn to a cotton swab, and the cotton swab was an effective way to teach how to manipulate and thread the yarn! I love finding ways to repurpose old activities! This simple paper plate craft was also a wonderful way to review the concept of an analog clock!
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What you need for clock face threading:
- Hole punch
- Yellow paint
- Paper plate
- Markers
- Yarn
- Q-tip
What to do for clock face threading:
- Paint paper plate.
- Write clock numbers on plate. For symmetry, first write numbers 三 (sān / 3)，六 (liù / 6)，九 (jiǔ / 9)，十二 (shí’èr / 12). Then fill in the other numbers.
- Punch holes next to number. I punched 2 rows of holes for extra threading practice, but in hindsight, the extra holes were a bit distracting for my 3-year-old. Therefore, I suggest keeping it simple for the younger kids!
- Tie yarn on cotton swab.
- Thread in numerical order or practice skip counting! You can also make fun patterns and thread across the plate!
Quick tips on how to teach counting and clocks
- Model counting out loud for your child and ask her to count out loud:
一，二，三，四，五，六，七，八...
yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā…
- Explain to your child that it is important to practice counting Chinese out loud, carefully, and without rushing.
- Compare the numbers on the paper plate to that of a real clock and talk about time!
Have you tried this paper sun clock activity?
If you try this number matching activity with your child, please let us know! Leave a comment and don’t forget to tag a photo #ChalkAcademy on Instagram and Facebook.
Related hands-on learning activities for kids!
- How I’m Teaching My Children Math for Free
- Teach Kids Time with Simple, Hands-On Clock Activities
- Fun and Educational Paper Plate Activities for Children!
- How-To Guide for Chinese activities!