Like most of the DIYs I do for my Munchkin, this one is an easy one too, made with things easily available. Threading activities can be done in various forms and at different levels of development. You can try this DIY with your Munchkin once you feel they are ready for it. Even if you introduce it to them and think they are not interested in it or find it difficult, remove it from their shelves / play area and bring it back again at a later stage (this would apply to almost any activity that is done with your Munchkin).

For this Simple Threading Activity, you need:

1)An empty baby powder container;

2)Wooden skewer sticks;

3)A basket / tray

4)Something to make a hole (I used a screwdriver);

5)A pair of kitchen scissors;

6)Sandpaper

First, I cut off the pointed edges of the skewers and cut them into half. Next, I smoothened both ends using the Sandpaper.

Next step is to check that the skewers go in easily. I had to push them in the holes so I made the holes on the powder container bigger. For this, I heated the screwdriver slightly on the gas stove and pushed it into the existing holes on the container to make them bigger. Once done, I tested all the holes to make sure the skewers went in easily.

Once both of the above were ready, I assembled them into the basket/tray and presented the activity to my Munchkin. I simply sat down with her, picked up a skewer and put into one of the holes. I repeated this a few times, and she joined me in the activity. She initially found it a little complex but managed to do the activity after a couple of tries.

Variation: This same activity can be done with ice cream sticks. In this case, instead of holes, you need to make slits in the container for the sticks to go in easily.

Age: Around 16 to 18 months

Purpose: Refinement of hand-eye coordination and grasp.

An easy to make DIY that is very good for your Munchkin’s development. Do let me know if you try it.