If you ever wonder what to do with all those lids that can not be recycled easily (because they are not made from #1 or #2) look no further. They can be used to make a pre-math sorting and pattern toy that will bring hours of discovery to your preschoolers.
Wash and set aside plastic lids in an empty canister until you have a nice assortment. You will need to drill a hole in the center of all the lids.(My ADHD teen helped with this part. Funny how power tools help him keep his focus.) When you are finished you can put the lids back in the canister for convenient storage. The only thing you need to purchase is a package of wooden dowels from Walmart.
Kids in my group from 34 months to age 7 have all enjoyed this immensely. They have both sorted into piles and made patterns on the dowels by color, by size, and by type. The lids can also be used with plastic lacing similar to the way you use large wooden beads.
