http://www.weloveteaching.net/mitra/BRAIDING.doc
MATERIAL: Basket, 4 different coloured strings, scissors barding wooden frame
PRESENTATION:
Invite the child to put the basket on the table. Ask him to select 3 strings by his own choice of colures. Cut the strings to equal length. (Use the frame as a measuring tool to cut them to the length.) Then tie each string to a pin on the frame. Move the left and centre strings to the left side of the frame while pulling the right string to the right.
1- Starting from the left string, grab it with your right hand and move it to the right(passing over the centre string). Pull all strings slightly.
2-Continue the activity by grabbing the right string with your left hand and move it to the left side of the frame and pass t over the centre string.
3- Grab the centre string with the right hand and move it to the right side of the frame (passing over the right string).This will complete the first cycle of barding process. Repeat this cycle for few more times then ask the child to continue until the braiding is complete.
To remove the finished braid from the frame , tie two bows at the start and the end of the strings.
To unbraid, reverse above 3 steps.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Choosing color strings, making knot, measuring, braiding
PURPOSE: To learn braiding
AGE: 4+
Variation on the exercise
Making a bow at the end of the activity
Extensions
-Other materials such as braiding ribbons and plastic coloured strings
-Braiding with 4 strings
