When I was first exploring my new classroom space (and purging all the things) and saw these bright plastic chain link clips, I remember thinking, What am I going to do with these? They seemed like such a random item and I couldn’t figure out how to make them useful in my classroom. I almost tossed them out of my room, but something told me to hang onto them. There were a few items I told myself I’d keep in the classroom for a year – and if I didn’t use them within that time, then I’d pass them onto someone else. Little did I know, these chain link clips would soon become one of my go-to resources!
Hands-On Fine Motor Play at Its Best
Now, after seeing them in action, I can’t imagine my classroom without them. Chain link clips are an amazing tool for hands-on fine motor play, helping students build their fine motor skills without even realizing it. Whether they’re linking items together or linking the chain links themselves together, students are constantly working their little fingers—strengthening muscles they’ll need for writing and cutting.
A Classroom Staple That Connects to the Math Curriculum
They’ve also become a staple in my math lessons! After some brainstorming and experimentation, I developed a bunch of activities that not only keep students engaged but also connect directly to the math curriculum. From patterning to counting, these simple links have so many uses in the classroom, making them a fun and effective learning tool.
If you’re looking for hands-on activities that are both fun and educational, check out my Chain Links Math Bundle! It includes 5 engaging math activities that will keep your students excited about learning while building essential fine motor skills.