You don't need to spend a lot to create activities for fine motor skills for kids. This Fine Motor Skills Color Recognition Game is proof of that. You just need an empty and clean whipped topping container and some colored straws.
Fine Motor Skills Color Recognition Game
- Colorful straws
- Container (I used a frozen whipped topping container that I cleaned)
- Drill (to make holes)
- Colorful permanent markers
- Decorations for container (optional)
You can use a variety of containers to make this game, but you will want something with a plastic lid. I have been saving these Safeway whipped topping containers, and they were perfect for the project. The top of the lid is paper that just comes right off. This is the container I started out with and it's various looks before I got to my final game.
You will need to drill some holes in your container. Make the same number of holes as colors you are working with. I had 6 different colored straws so hubby drilled 6 holes into the container for me. If you don't want to do anything else, you can stop here. This alone makes a great game for younger kids who are doing fine motor work while having fun dropping straws. Little C loved doing this and shaking the container to hear the straws.
Next, I took some permanent markers and colored around the holes so the kids would know where to put the different colored straws.
I decided to cover up the part on the container that had the writing on it, so I used some address labels for that. Then I decorated it with some permanent markers and some scrapbook letters that I have left over from when I had time to scrapbook. I think it came out pretty cute. It really didn't add that much time to the project, and as you can see, really takes no artistic ability.
When it was time to play, I reviewed the colors with the girls and showed them how they could put a straw in the hole that was the same color. They did great at this. Even B, who is my rebel, followed directions!
When "A" was done she wanted to open the container to see where her straws went. She was happy to discover that they were all inside.
My favorite thing about this fine motor kills color recognition game, other than the free-ness, was that various ages of kids could enjoy it and get something different out of it. For those of you who are not fans of messes, it is also very clean and quiet too. If you don't have colored straws around (haven't I convinced you to buy some yet?) cut-up pipe cleaners work well too.
If you enjoyed this Fine Motor Skills Color Recognition Game check out:
aquariann says
Cute game!!
Btw, I stumbled this! My post: Homemade Pumpkin Pies
Karyn says
Brilliant ideas. I'm going to have to follow so that I can have fun ideas for my kids!
andie jaye says
this is such a fun idea! love the thriftiness!
Lotte Lu and Brother Too says
PERFECT! I have been trying to make a go at "Tot School" with my little one and am in need of some "small spaces" games to get working on fine motor skills!
This game is so simple and can work with so many different goals! LOVE IT!
Kaleigh Lotte Lu and Brother Too
Vicky says
@ Blogger Broadcast, thanks so much!
@ mhoward, it's hard to believe right now that I will feel that way one day.
@ Hines-Sight, always good to see you here!
@ Ashley Rae, thanks for that!
@ Paula, that is too funny! Great minds...
@ Mary, that would be great, thanks!
@ Anitra, thanks so much!
@ Lisa, thanks for the comment
@ Janice, Can't wait to hear about your experience.
@ TJ, thanks a bunch!
Mandi says
My littlest guy will flip for this! What a wonderful idea! I would love it if you'd stop by my blog to say hi! Today I'm featuring an Autumn leaf craft that's fun for toddlers and big kids alike! You can also check out our Halloween Book Basket. Hope you're having an awesome day!
Mandi at BBM
Theophanie says
My Little would love this. 🙂
Aimee from Classified: Mom says
My kids would love this! Thank you for sharing this on The Sunday Showcase.
Lindsey says
What a neat and creative idea!!!Thanks for hopping with us at Mom Blog Monday... I am now following you back on Facebook from So Easy Being Green, already follow via GFC!
Christina says
What an awesome idea! I could use a dose of your creativity. Can't wait to see what you come up with next:)