Number Heart Lacing Preschool Activity

UPDATE 2/7/15: I was asked if I could make a black and white version of the printable to be copied on a copy machine and one with number 1-10. You can find the black and white version of the printable HERE and the 1-10 printable HERE.

I have been working with my preschooler on recognizing her teen numbers and number 20. She can count them out loud proficiently, but we've needed some extra practice with recognizing those tricky teen numbers. As a form of practice, I made this Valentine's Day themed Numbers Heart Lacing Activity. I love how it is not only number practice, but also incorporates working on fine motor skills with the lacing aspect of it.

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Supplies you will need:

• Number Heart Printable (in color), Number Heart Printable (in black & white)                         or Number Heart Printable (Numbers 1-10)
• white heavy cardstock paper
• 1/4-inch hole punch
• red yarn
• masking tapeor washi tape
• scissors

Directions:

1. Print off the Number Heart Printable on white heavy cardstock paper and cut out the heart shape.

2. Use your hole punch to punch out all the white circles around the heart.

3. Cut a section of red yarn about 11 feet long. Wrap some masking tape around one end of the yarn to make the lacing easier.

4. Bring the red yarn up through the number 1 and tape the end of the yarn on the back of the heart. Now your child is ready to start lacing their heart.

5. Bring the lace down from the front of the heart and then up from the back of the heart, lacing in order from 1-20 around the heart.

I sat right with my daughter while she laced her heart to assist her with the string if she needed it at all. She laced through to 10 easily, but then got stuck on the teen numbers a bit just as I suspected she would. It was great practice for her to count out loud to figure out what number went next and then to find that number on the heart.

6. Once your child is finished lacing to 20, cut off any excess string and tape the end of the string to the back of the heart.

This activity is great for working on numbers up to 20 but it also couples as a fun craft once it's fully laced. Hang it up on the fridge or somewhere in your home for your preschooler to be proud of her work.

As mentioned at the top, I made variations of the printable by request. You can also find a black and white version and a numbers 1-20 version of the printable now.

This post is part of a collaborative preschool series where four bloggers and myself have joined together to bring you fun crafts and activities based on a common preschool learning theme. This week we are sharing ideas focused on Valentine's Day.

Check out all of the Valentine's Day ideas from our Collaborative Preschool Bloggers:

 Easy Kid-Made Chocolate Valentines Gift | Pink Stripey Socks

3 Ways to Make Homemade Valentine's Cards | Hand Made Kids Art

 Valentines Pre-Writing Activity | A Little Pinch of Perfect

Fine Motor Activities for Valentine's Day | Artsy Momma

Stop by Friday, February 20 for Fairy Tale Activities.

More Preschool Activities on I Heart Crafty Things:

• Alphabet and Number Valentine's Day Matching
• Washi Tape Laced Heart
• Learning Activities with Goldfish Crackers
• Alphabet Heart Letter Writing Practice
• Alphabet I-Spy Game

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