Valentine Bead Necklaces

[60 Minutes]

Mixing dough and shaping beads provide your child with a variety of sensory experiences. This valentine gift adds a special "loving" touch to the craft.

You'll need:

• 4 measuring cups flour • 1 measuring cup salt • mixing bowl • 1-1/2 measuring cups water • food coloring (OPTIONAL) • measuring cups • straw, pipe cleaner, or thin paintbrush • mixing spoon • baking tray • yarn

What to do:

1. Together with your child, mix the flour, salt, and water in a bowl to make clay dough. Divide the dough into equal portions and give one to your child and one to yourself.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes. If desired, let your child choose two or three colors and add food coloring to portions of the dough, kneading it until the color is distributed.
3. Encourage her to form small balls with the dough. Let her try to shape the balls into heart shapes.
4. Help her use a straw, pipe cleaner, or thin paint brush to poke holes through each bead.
5. Place the beads on a baking tray and bake at 250 degrees F. for 2 hours.
6. When cool, help your child string the beads onto a piece of yarn to make a special necklace.
7. Encourage your child to make other necklaces for friends.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What happened to the flour and salt when the water was added? Was it easy or hard to stir?
• Who are your friends? What do you and your friends like to do together?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills, eye/hand coordination and an understanding of "same and different".