Sometimes the simplest thing can lead to learning. It doesn’t get much simpler than a clothes pin. Clothes pin activities can be used for a variety of lessons. Here are a few for letters and numbers. Think of more of your own!
Teaching the Alphabet:
Supplies:
Clothes pins
26 cards with images associated with the letters of the alphabet from a phonics perspective.
Permanent marker
Directions:
You can use flash cards or draw or glue images on index cards.
Using a permanent marker write a letter of the alphabet on each clothes pin.
Activity:
Have your child place the clothes pin on the corresponding card to match the letter and the picture.
Variations: Instead of marking on the clothes pins and using images use blank clothes pins and index cards with letters or a sheet of paper with letters of the alphabet. Say each letter and have your child place a cloths pin on the correct letter. Once your child masters the letter activity have your child place a clothes pin on the letter associated with the phonic sound. Once the phonics sound activity is mastered you can use the cards or sheet of paper for spelling. Say “cat” and have you child put clothes pins on the letters in cat.
Teaching Numbers
Supplies:
Clothes Pins
Number Cards or cards with dots or images to represent the amount of a number.
Activity:
First start by saying a number and having your child place a clothes pin on each number. This will help your child with number recognition. Once your child has mastered that activity you can write with permanent marker a number on each clothes pin. Then using a sheet of paper or making wheel out of cardboard with spaces divided. In the divided spaces on your paper or wheel draw dots or images to represent amounts. Then have your child place the correct numbered clothes pin on the space with the amount that corresponds with the number.