Skip counting or counting in multiples is a skill children need to learn early on. Combine it with lacing, and you have a fine motor skills activity to boot!
This is a SELF CHECKING math game!
This skill sets the foundation for multiplication and quicker counting for elementary age kids. Counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, and more is great for Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th grade kids.
Skip Counting Games
Make your own skip counting lacing cards frugally by using paper plates! All you need is paper plates (I used small, green ones), a paper punch, marker and laces(I used the plastic kind, but one can use any, even yarn).
The number of holes will depend on where you want your child to stop counting. I punched with 10 holes here:
Simply write the numbers randomly next to the holes:
Lace the plate correctly and then turn the plate around to mark off the lines. (Note that you will have to show the child the correct way of lacing: in-out-in-out...This could be a bit tricky for him/her at first)
This will serve as a self correcting tool!
I secured the end of the lace with tape as an indicator as to where to start. The last hole were marked with a circle:
That is it! Easy to make, and it could be adapted for younger children too. If your child cannot skip count yet, one could use this idea for counting in 1's, or to match numbers and dots:
A fun, frugal learning idea! I use these with my remedial therapy sessions with grade two's:
This makes a good busy bag activity too, perfect to use while traveling.
You might like these frugal learning ideas too:
- Skip Counting Puzzles (2s-10s; free printable)
- Skip Counting Mazes (2s-10s; free printable)
- Skip Counting Charts (2s-10s; free printable)
- Skip Counting Paths (2s-10s; free printable)
- Upper & Lower Case Matching Cards
- Paper Plate Punctuation Lesson
- Cardboard Roll Name Threading
- 2000+ page of free math worksheets
Nadia is South African mom to two littlies, a former preschool teacher and currently working as a reading therapist at a remedial school. She blogs over at Teach Me Mommy about easy and playful activities inspiring you to be your child's first teacher. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. 
