This type of activity is great for sensory play. Sensory play helps kids to develop, and improve, their gross and fine motor skills, co-ordination and concentration. It also provides an opportunity to use all their senses to discover and explore their environment, develop their imagination and creative thinking.
Once set up the kids can have a lot of fun mucking in and getting their hands “dirty”. Because the spaghetti is cooked, it doesn’t matter if the kids munch on it while they’re playing.
Often I get asked what age is appropriate for kids to play with this type of activity – it really is an all ages activity, even the older kids will enjoy it. But I would imagine from 6 months old upwards is a good place to start. The child should be able to sit up, and be able to move their hands to and from their mouth.
If you have a young infant, I would also recommend supervising the activity.
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Cooked Spaghetti (as much or as little as you require)
Food Colouring
Cooking Oil
WHAT TO DO
Drain the cooked spaghetti, and run under cold water for a few minutes to cool down
Split the spaghetti into separate containers, depending on how many colours you want to make
Add a couple of drops of food colouring and a teaspoon of cooking oil to each container, and mix
The cooking oil will stop the spaghetti from sticking
There you have it – a quick and easy sensory activity perfect for the kids! Whether you play inside or out, give the kids cooking utensils, cups, spoons, etc and let them have fun!
Just remember – the food colouring may stain your carpet. So be sure to put down a mat of some kind, or take the activity outside (that’s really the best).
Be sure to check out my Coloured Rice and Coloured Pasta activities.
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