A few days ago, I posted about the straws that we used for Straw Jewelry. Faithful readers will remember that I promised to use the straws for a few more activities so I could get my money's worth. Well I racked my brain and remembered an activity I had seen somewhere with colored pipe cleaners and an empty container. I have lots of empty containers and I have these colored straws. What game can I make? I came up with "Color Drop" which reinforces/teaches colors, and improves visual discrimination and fine motor skills. Not bad for some straws and a recycled container. You don't need to spend a lot to create an engaging experience for kids. This Fine Motor Skills Color Recognition Game is proof of that.
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
Cute game!!
Btw, I stumbled this! My post: Homemade Pumpkin Pies
Karyn
Brilliant ideas. I'm going to have to follow so that I can have fun ideas for my kids!
andie jaye
this is such a fun idea! love the thriftiness!
Lotte Lu and Brother Too
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
@ 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
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
My Little would love this. 🙂
Aimee from Classified: Mom
My kids would love this! Thank you for sharing this on The Sunday Showcase.
Lindsey
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
What an awesome idea! I could use a dose of your creativity. Can't wait to see what you come up with next:)
Anjie
You are so creative! I'm really looking forward to following your blog and getting some fun ideas from you! Thanks for following me!!
Laura Major (Learning Is Child's Play)
Yup! This is a game I can't believe I've never thought of! Way to think outside the box OR tub! heeheee:)
I'm a new follower of your blog and your fb page too! I tried to link up your fb page to mine, but it won't work!Silly fb!:) I wanted to let you know that I'm going to share this post with my fans:) Here is my link if you'd like to check it out!:
http://www.facebook.com/LearningIsChildsPlay
Thanks!
Laura
Janice @ learning 4 kids
What a fab idea! I love it! Will defintitely be giving this one a go! Thanks so much for sharing! x
Lisa
What a great idea!
Many blessings,
Lisa
rebecca @ older and wisor
What a great idea! It reminds me of an activity that would be perfect for kids with special needs (we had our share of "homemade" activities for our little one - who is now 13 - with autism). And using recycled stuff!
TJ @ MeasuringFlower.com
That is such a cute idea! I can totally use that for my son's busy bag! Thanks! Hey, following back from http://www.MeasuringFlower.com! Have a great day! 😀
Mary
What a great idea, wonder if my lil one's Pre-K does this? I'll have to direct em here... Great job on showcasing the fun.. TFS
Mary
Paula Perry
Can I just say that this very day I came up with a game at school using pipe cleaners... It's the same game as you describe... Funny that I see this post right after I thought I came up with it!! Pipe cleaners work well as they are a little tricker to pop into the hole. I just used a upside down cardboard box, and made holes with a sharp pencil, it was very basic on the spot thing, yours is way prettier. It worked well and the kids loved it. They liked it when I pushed the pipe cleaners back up threw the hole. Fun.
Hines-Sight
This is a fabulous idea. You have some great ones.
mhoward
What a cute idea- my kids are teens so unless I called it money drop and provided the money...it probably wouldn't work. Sigh. Miss having little ones around.