This fine motor threading activity is a fun and engaging craft to do with your little ones, especially on those rainy days. This rain cloud threading activity is perfect for developing fine motor skills while also fitting the weather theme, which is a popular one for the preschool years.
You get to craft it together, and once it’s done, it’s an activity they can use over and over again, strengthening those little fingers which is something that pays off later when it comes to skills like hand writing.
This craft is most suitable for children aged 3-6 years. Younger children may need a bit of help with the initial threading, but it’s a wonderful way for them to learn, and older kids can enjoy the challenge independently.
Let’s explore how to make it and why it’s so great for your child.
Materials Needed
The materials for this rain cloud threading craft are simple and easy to gather, making it a stress-free activity to prepare.
You’ll need construction paper to make the rain clouds—we’ve used two clouds, one in light blue and the other in dark blue, to add a bit of variety and fun. You could also add cotton balls if you like, to make them fluffy, or use blue felt for the clouds if you don’t have construction paper.
The cardboard backing gives you a sturdy base for all the components, while yarn or string makes the rain drops falling from the clouds.
Blue plastic straws are cut into small sections to create the threading beads, and a hot glue gun helps hold everything in place.
With just these basic supplies, you can create an engaging activity that’s perfect for those cozy rainy days at home.
How to Make this Fine Motor Rain Cloud Craft
Follow the step by step instructions below to make your own rainy day fine motor rain drop craft
Create a reusable rain cloud threading activity that’s perfect for those rainy days! This fun craft not only entertains but also helps develop your child’s fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination—all while learning about the weather.
Materials
Construction paper (blue or gray for clouds)
Cardboard backing
Hot glue gun
Yarn or string (6 pieces, roughly the same length – blue is best for the rain cloud theme)
Plastic straws (cut into small sections – blue is best)
Glue stick or craft glue
Scissors
Tools
Printer if using rain cloud templates (optional)
Instructions
Make the CloudsStart by cutting out cloud shapes from construction paper. You can make one big cloud or a couple of smaller ones—get creative! You might want to let your child draw the outline before cutting it out to make them feel even more involved, or use our free printable cloud outline templates available to download below. Attach the StringsBefore gluing the cloud(s) to your cardboard backing, hot glue around six pieces of yarn or string to the back of the clouds, so they hang down like rain. The strings should be evenly spaced, and they will represent the raindrops falling from your cloud.Secure the Cloud to the BackingNow, glue the cloud(s) onto your cardboard backing. Make sure the strings hang down nicely from underneath. This creates the “rainfall” effect!Prepare the Straw BeadsTake your plastic straws and cut them into small pieces—these are going to be your threading beads. Each string will need several straw beads to make threading a bit challenging but fun.Glue the Straw Beads in PlaceGlue the straw pieces in rows down the cardboard backing, each row matching the placement of the hanging strings. Each straw bead should be glued in a way that creates a slight gap for the string to be threaded through from one to the next.Threading Time!Once all the straw beads are glued and dried, it’s time for the threading fun! Your child can take each piece of yarn hanging from the cloud and thread it through the matching line of straw beads. It’s just like threading raindrops through the clouds!
Did you make this project?
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This craft is perfect for working on those small but important muscles in the fingers and hands. The process of threading the yarn through the straws encourages coordination and precision, which are essential skills for future handwriting and self-help activities like buttoning clothes or zipping jackets.
It’s a wonderful way to strengthen those fine motor skills while keeping the activity engaging and enjoyable.
In addition to fine motor skill development, the activity also strengthens hand-eye coordination, as kids need to carefully aim the string through each small straw bead. This kind of focused action helps children refine their control over their movements, boosting their confidence in tasks that require precision.
Another great aspect of this craft is that it’s reusable. Once it’s made, your child can enjoy threading over and over again, making it a reliable go-to boredom buster. It’s a simple but effective way to keep them entertained, allowing them to return to it whenever they feel like a bit of quiet play.
The rain cloud theme fits perfectly with the current rainy season, making it an even more relatable and engaging experience. You can use this as an opportunity to talk to your child about the weather — how rain helps the plants grow, why clouds are important, and what makes it rain. This turns playtime into a learning experience, combining creativity with educational discussions in a natural and fun way.
Not only is this a fun activity that keeps kids entertained, but it also helps them develop the skills they need to be more independent.
From building up the muscles in their fingers to developing patience as they work on threading each piece, it’s a holistic approach to learning and play.
Plus, there’s something extra cozy about doing a rain-themed craft while watching the drops fall outside, isn’t there?
Free Printable Rain Cloud Template
If you need some help cutting the shapes for the rain clouds, then download our free printable PDF template below.
You can use this for all kinds of rain preschool crafts and cloud crafts for kids beyond this threading activity too.
Terms of use: This clouds template is free for personal use and classroom use.
Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom or screen time. With this rain cloud threading activity, you’re giving your child an opportunity to learn, create, and play—all while enjoying quality time together.
So grab some yarn, cut up those straws, and let the rainy day crafting fun begin!
More Weather Crafts and Activities for Kids
We hope you enjoyed this cloud with raindrops craft.
Looking for more fun ideas for your weather unit? Check out some of these activities which are perfect for learning about weather and seasons
If you loved this craft, we’d love for you to share it! Spread the creativity and help other parents find fun, educational activities for their kids by sharing this blog post.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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