Turn the boards upside-down for a new set of sequence challenges.

Ask the child to sort the pieces into groups by color or shape. Count each group and discuss which has the most pieces and which has the fewest pieces.

Create a color sequence on one of the dowels and ask the child to repeat the colors on the next dowel, using any of the shapes.

Create a shape sequence on one of the dowels and ask the child to repeat the shapes on the next dowel, using any of the colors.

Begin a simple pattern (such as red, blue, red, blue) with beads on a dowel. Ask the child to continue the pattern to fill the dowel.

Fill one of the dowels with a rainbow sequence: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. Ask the child to replicate the color sequence on the other dowels to create entire rows of rainbow colors.

Create a number line: Place one bead on the first dowel, two beads on the second dowel, and so on. Then count along the number line.

Use the dowels and beads to express mathematical ideas. For instance: “This dowel has 3 beads. I’m holding 2 beads. When I add my beads, 3 put together with 2 makes 5 beads in all!”

Describe beads aloud and ask the child to follow your spoken instructions to fill a dowel. Extra challenge: Ask the child to remember and carry out a few instructions at a time.