Colorful, tactile spaghetti play is a perfect way to help our youngest learners develop fine motor skills and explore foundational science!

Inclusion: Library programming is designed to be fully inclusive. Age limits may be implemented in certain programs to ensure that program content fosters appropriate developmental markers.

Accessibility: Rice noodles can be used for a gluten-free experience. Cauliflower noodles can be used for a grain-free experience.



Mode: In-person



Staff Energy: Low



Ages: 0-5



Cost: Low



Length: 20-30 min.



Ideal Attendance: 12



STEAM Practices:

✓ Science

✓ Art



Tags: STEAM, toddlers, pre-k, food, messy, low cost



Credit: Kate Davis

Supplies:

(Commonly on-hand supplies are not included in cost breakdown.)

Spaghetti ($1/1# box)
Food coloring ($3)
Gallon-sized plastic bags
Trays or paper plates
Baby wipes
Tableclothes
Outlines of simple shapes or recognizable animals

Total Cost: $4.00

Instructions:

Encourage parents to participate with their child while giving their child the freedom to play naturally. Here are conversation prompts for the activity leader or caregivers:

What colors do you see?
What does a handful of spaghetti feel like?
What does one piece of spaghetti feel like?
Is it easy or hard to break the spaghetti strands?
What does rainbow spaghetti make you think about?
How can we shape the spaghetti to spell out your name? Do we need to lay the strands out straight or curve them for the letters in your name.

Child tracing cat outline

Outline of cat face lined with colored string

Child tracing handprint outline with colored string

Staff Know-How

Planning, Set Up & Facilitation

Cook and dye spaghetti beforehand.

Just before the program, set out plates of dyed, cooked spaghetti on tables. Set a tray or large paper plate at each seat. Set out multiple copies of the shape outlines for children to “trace”.