Submitted by Sandy Toms

Idea posted April 11, 2002

I found using floss or yarn to be time-consuming and problematic. I've gone to a new approach: I bought those rings (like you see in notebooks) and am using pony beads (larger size) for the colors. I figure they can use it as a keychain. (Note: Occasionally, a pony bead won't fit because it's not cut well. I just discard those.)

I do this for 2nd and 3rd grades, so I use solid colors for 2nd grade and clear colors for 3rd. I plan the songs so that the total number of songs will equal the beads that will fit on the ring (a larger size). The kids are given one ring. They have to pay for replacements, but they leave their recorders at school, so it's not much of an issue.