Pasta Necklaces
Engagement Time
Day 1 - 10 Minutes Preparation, Day 2 - 15-20 Minutes
Pasta Necklaces is designed to improve your little one’s dexterity and fine motor skills of threading. If you create colour patterns this will also assist your little one’s early mathematical development.
Materials Required
- Penne pasta noodles
- Food Dye of varying colours
- String
Method
This activity is split into 2 very distinct parts. The first requires you to cover your little one’s clothes well or dress them in clothes you do not mind getting stained as you will be placing the pasta into containers of food dye which could easily splash onto clothes.
Pour about 10 drops of food dye into half a cup of water in a container such as a plastic take away tub. Then place one cup of pasta into the dyed water. After only a few minutes remove the pasta and place it onto absorbent paper to allow it to dry. Ensure the pasta does not become too wet when placed into the water as it will be difficult to use later if this happens. Once on the paper place the pasta in a warm spot and leave it to dry completely. You may repeat this with as many colours as you desire or until interest wanes.
When fully dry your little one can take the pasta and attempt to thread it onto pieces of string. You can suggest colour patterns for their new bracelet, necklace or crown or let them come up with their own ideas.
Extension:
Once the pasta has dried or when your little one has finished their creations you may wish to spread the pasta lightly with glue and roll it in glitter to make the new jewellery even more impressive.
