Show the child a button strung upon a strong thread about 12 inches long. Then hold the thread firmly between thumb and finger of each hand and twirl it rapidly, drawing it suddenly taut. The button whirls round, making a pretty spinning figure.
Stringing Buttons (Buttons, waxed thread)
If baby is so old that he is not tempted to swallow a pretty button, give him a strong thread waxed at the end to make it stiff, and let him make a chain of buttons. They may be strung according to size or color or shape, giving practice in counting, in arrangement, and in choice.
Buttons as Counters (Buttons)
Save disused buttons of the same kind and let the child classify into two or more sets to be used as counters in games like checkers or go-bang. See [page 62].
Button-Mold Wheels (Molds, brush, water-color paints)
Give the child four wooden button-molds of the same size and let him paint spokes upon them so that they will be ready any time to use as wheels for a toy wagon. Call him a little wheelwright.
Button-Mold Tops (Molds, match or toothpick, gilding or paint)
Paint or gild a button-mold and then stick through the hole a toothpick or burnt match whittled to right size and show the child how to spin it.
Button-Mold Counters (See [page 62])