This weekend my nieces came to visit and brought a real classic with them - perler beads. I used to do that as a kid and remember that I had a phase during which I produced two a day.
The girls are 2 and 4 years old and although they are obviously not at the same development stages, they always want to do what the other does. Luckily, they have two versions of this classic kids craft.
The big perler beads are a nice way for the younger one to get the feeling she is doing the same craft as her older sister. Placing the big beads onto the pegboard is a challenge she can manage. They also had patterns for orientation and as an inspiration. 
She decided she wanted to do a truck and we even managed to build a whole tire together.
But being at the age of 2, she does not have enough concentration to finish the whole thing. Half way through, we changed it into a red flower but didn't finish this one either. I guess adults have to keep in mind that it's not the product that counts but that getting there is more than half the fun.
The activity is still a good way to encourage every child's fine motor skills and concentration even if it doesn't result in a creative truck shaped coaster.
My older niece showed more persistence and finished her heart. She chose all the colors and the pattern herself and didn't need much help at all. The only thing I had to do was ironing the pegboard. Although it's probably obvious, I would like to remind everybody not to forget the baking parchment! I forgot it one time and had to throw away the iron...
Tidying up afterwards was her chore as well and it seemed as if she enjoyed it as much as the craft activity itself. It is also a great opportunity to teach the colors. Whenever a bead missed the pot, I took it and called the color it had. I think we have established what red looks like by now 😉
Have fun trying out this classic kids craft with your children.