Spaghetti Letters

An easy-to-prepare activity for toddlers to preschoolers.

Teach letters and shapes & practice fine motor skills with spaghetti!

Materials:

·         Cooked and strained spaghetti

o   Slightly over-cooked noodles will be stickier than if they are cooked “al dente”

·         Paper

·         Printed worksheets (optional)

If you do not want to use spaghetti and would prefer to use yarn, here is another option:

·         Yarn

·         Liquid craft glue

·         Water

·         A bowl

·         Scissors

·         Paper or printed worksheets

Steps:

1.      Gather your materials. Print out worksheets if you choose to do so.

2.      Set up a workspace where it will not matter if a little spaghetti gets stuck to nearby surfaces. A place mat might be a good idea.

·         Though this activity is relatively mess-free, the spaghetti does make fingers messy and can stick to surfaces.

Guide your child through the worksheets, encouraging them to place the spaghetti along the lines to form the shape or letter.

·        

If you have opted to not use the worksheets, you may create your own using a computer or a marker on paper.  Another option is to allow your child to create their own art.  Ideas include the child’s name, a picture of their family, or anything else.

o   Here is what I “drew”:

1.      If you are choosing the yarn option, the steps are similar but preparation is slightly different.

·         Mix 2 parts glue with 1 part water.  If the mixture is too runny or too thick, add more glue or water to reach the correct consistency.

·         Cut pieces of yarn for your child to dip in the glue

2.      Have your child add the yarn to glue and stir it around to get a good coating.  Allow excess glue to drip off.

3.      Guide your child through the worksheets, encouraging them to place the yarn along the lines to form the shape or letter.  If you are not using the worksheets, allow your child to create their own shapes.

4.      The spaghetti and yarn will both dry and stick to the paper.  Your child can hang them up if you choose to do so.

Conversation Starters:

·         How does the spaghetti feel in your hands?

·         What shape is your favorite to make?

·         Can you tell me what letter this is?

·         Can you sing your ABC’s?

·         Why did you choose to make that picture?

·         What do you think will happen if the spaghetti stays on the paper?

*Utilizing questions like this will add value to this activity beyond teaching letters and shapes and practicing fine motor skills.*