This simple, little gadget gives youngsters some visual understanding of how much farther you need to drive.
Supplies needed:
pony beads (small beads you can find at most craft stores.)
several large, attractive beads (the number needed will depend on how far you will be traveling.)
one specially chosen bead to represent the end of the miles (your destination.)
All beads must have an opening large enough to fit a pipe cleaner through.
2. You will probably need to use more than one pipe cleaner to give enough length; simply twist two pipe cleaners together in a way which still allows a bead to slip over the spot where the two are joined. Continue adding as many pipe cleaners as needed. Fold over about 1/4-inch of one end 2-3 times to prevent beads from slipping off. You will need to repeat this again on the opposite end when finished placing the beads.
3. For every 25 miles, place a bead on the long pipe cleaner; every 4th bead will be one of the large beads to represent 100 mile increments.
4. Leave enough length at one end (about the length of one pipe cleaner) to allow sliding of the beads from one side to the other.
2. Set the trip odometer if your car has one.
3. Begin with the first small bead. Every 25 miles, remind your child that it is time to slide a bead to the opposite end. They may have to catch up on several beads at one time after a long nap (we hope they take plenty of those while traveling!)
Instructions:
1 pkg. pipe cleaners
When you begin to travel:1. Calculate the exact number of miles you will be traveling.
1. Have all beads slid to one end of the pipe cleaner - making the specially chosen bead (or the "final destination" bead) the last one to slide.
