Nursery project · Nursery & school, First day of school
Counting Chain for Learning Numbers at Nursery
A colourful counting chain made of wooden beads for counting, sorting and early maths – classic learning material for nursery and pre-school.
- Agefrom approx. 3 years, with guidance
- Difficultymedium
- Timeapprox. 30 minutes
- Materials approx.10-20 €
What you need
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1 craft kit · ABC counting chain 'Clover' craft kit as an alternative
ABC Counting Chain Craft Kit – Shamrock
19,99 € in stock · Item no. X1600
Step by step
- Sort the beads into two alternating colours in groups of ten
- Set out a sturdy cord or the kit's ribbon
- Thread the beads in order, switching colour after every 10 beads
- Knot the ends firmly or attach them to the frame
- Try it out together with the children: counting, skip-counting, forwards and backwards
Safety first
- Knot or glue small parts securely; for use with under-3s, supervision only
- Check the material for wear before first use and regularly afterwards
- Not suitable for free play by children under 3, only guided and firmly joined use
Variations
- Combine as an ABC counting chain with extra letter beads for names
- A shorter version for individual children, a long group chain for the nursery wall
Our tips
- Switching colour every 10 beads helps children grasp larger quantities more quickly
Frequently asked questions
From what age does a counting chain make sense?
Usually from about 3 years for first counting, and for simple sums as children get older.
Is the material suitable for several children at once?
Yes, it works well for several children under a practitioner's guidance.