It’s amazing how many fun STEM activities for kindergarten you can come up with using a box of buttons! Create an entire learning unit using only buttons.
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I didn’t go to school until partway through second grade. My mom’s “school can wait” philosophy meant that she unschooled her children back before the idea of unschooling even existed.
One of my favorite childhood activities is not one of Anna’s favorite kindergarten STEM activities. You can structure this activity as much or as little as you like. I recommend handing kids buttons with zero structure at the beginning, just to see what they do!
Kindergarten STEM Activities Using Buttons
What You'll Find on This Page
My memories of playing with my mom’s buttons inspired me to buy a simple package of fun buttons a couple of years ago. I’ve since added buttons I cut off worn-out clothing, as well as buttons from hand-me-down sewing supplies.
Sorting Buttons
Button color sorting is Anna’s current favorite activity. You can also sort buttons by how many holes they have, how they fasten (holes in the button or an attached shank), and size.
Measuring Buttons
Start kids off sorting buttons from smallest to largest. You can also sort from thickest to thinnest.
Weighing Buttons
If you own a sensitive kitchen scale, you may be able to weigh individual buttons. Kids can also practice weighing using simple balance scales.
Balancing Buttons
Can you spin a button? Can you roll it on its edge? Are some buttons easier to balance than others? What makes them easier and harder to balance?
Button Classification
Take different types of buttons and place them in a venn diagram. Maybe some buttons are red and some are blue. Do they all attach to clothing the same way? Are they the same size or thickness?
Make Button Art
It’s easy to add an A for STEAM to your button themed STEM kindergarten unit!
Teach kids to sew buttons onto fabric. If you use felt or fleece, you can carefully cut button holes without needing to finish them in any way, and kids can practice buttoning and unbuttoning.
Glue buttons onto paper or wood for a pretty mosaic art project.
MORE FUN Early LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
For parents looking for playful activities that are clearly educational, this book is a great resource:
If you are looking for a home preschool curriculum, ABC & 123 is a wonderful place to start! I contributed to the book, along with some of my favorite early education bloggers. The activities provide a tiny bit of structure in a playful environment where children can explore early literacy and numeracy skills.
What are your favorite Kindergarten Button STEM activities? How about other early learning activities? I love hearing from my readers! Share ideas in the comments and on my Facebook page. You can also tag me on Instagram.
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
What a great idea for all those random buttons that I have collected over the years!
I love using buttons for learning. It’s such a fun activity.