Clothespin Games for Learning [Contributed by Fun-A-Day!]

This post was contributed by Mary Catherine of Fun-A-Day!

Use Clothespin Games for Learning Fun!

I am all about using what’s on-hand when creating fun learning experiences for the kids. Creating pretty clothespin games was especially simple, and it fed my new love of colorful paper tape (also known as washi tape)! These clothespins are an easy way for children to practice fine motor, math, and literacy skills.

Making Clothespin Games

Supplies:

Wooden clothespins
Colorful paper tape (aka washi tape)
Scissors
Pipe cleaners
Permanent Marker

Steps:

Choose a few different colors and designs of the paper tape
Tear off small pieces of the tape and place along the top of the clothespins
Trim the excess tape off
Optional: Write letters or numbers on some of the clothespins
Optional: use Mod Podge to seal the clothespins

4 Clothespin Games Kids Can Play:

Create patterns based on the colors and designs of the clothespins. To include fine motor practice, have the kids clip the clothespins to a pipe cleaner.
Practice their names, their friends’ names, or high frequency words using clothespins with letters on them. The clothespins can be clipped to a piece of cardstock with the words written on it for children who need some assistance.
Practice the alphabet by matching uppercase letters (written on cardstock) to lowercase letters (written on the clothespins). They can also clip the clothespins in alphabetical order.
Order numerals by clipping clothespins with numbers on them to cardstock or pipe cleaners. Practice counting skills and number identification using number cards (child counts the number of items in a picture, and then clips the clothespin to the matching numeral). If you would like a sample of a number card, I have a free one here.

Mary Catherine is mama to a budding engineer whose favorite question is “why?” She is a pre-k teacher with a background in teaching kindergarten and a passion for early literacy. Mary Catherine loves lazy days with her son, messy art projects, science fiction books, and dark chocolate. You can find her blogging at Fun-A-Day! Come connect with Mary Catherine on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

I love how simple these clothespins are to put together yet how versatile they are for a variety of learning games and activities. Awesome activity again, Mary Catherine!