Here is a quick idea for some practicing fine motor skills that uses something most everyone has - a colander! You will also need some pipe cleaners, which in my opinion are also something everyone should have. This Fun with Pipe Cleaners fine motor skills activity takes no time to set up and is great for when you need to keep your child busy for a little bit so you can make dinner. Just don't have them do this if you are cooking something that requires a colander.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR THIS FINE MOTOR ACTIVITY?
I am lucky to have 2 colanders, but not so lucky to have 3. Little C was not happy that she had to wait her turn while her sisters did the activity first. To be fair, at 18 months, C had a tough time with this fine motor skills activity, but she did love playing with the pipe cleaners.
HOW TO HAVE FINE MOTOR FUN WITH PIPE CLEANERS
A and B just adored this easy activity. I gave each of them a colander and a bunch of colorful pipe cleaners. I showed them how they could poke the pipe cleaners through the holes of the colander to create sculptures. The girls thought they looked like tunnels.
They kept asking for more and more pipe cleaners (luckily I had a few bags of them) so you might want to have some extra on hand. They were delighted with their creations and A proclaimed "this is fabulous!" What I really found fabulous was that I snuck in some fine motor work. As the girls pushed their pipe cleaners into the small holes they were strengthening their fine motor skills.
The finished product! What do you think of their fine motor skills art?
For more fine motor skills activities check out:
Vicky
April, thank you so much! I get lots of great inspiration from other moms.
Vicky
Maria, thanks for following!
Vicky
Laura, thank you so much!
Vicky
Erica, You are so sweet, thanks!
April
Oops! I meant what a great idea!!
April
What a great follower! Thanks for following my blog, I'm definitely following you now - you have a ton of great ideas!
MariaS
Great idea!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment! Following you back!
Laura
Very cute idea! New follower from the FL and FF hop-thanks for linking up.
Vicky
Thank you Dawn!
Dawn
What great ideas!!! Thank you for finding me!! lol. Following you back via GFC. I look forward to reading more! =)
Erika
That is such a great idea! So fun & easy and no mess either! I am going to do this with my kids.
Thanks for stopping by my blog & leaving your sweet comment! I'm a new follower.
~Erika
Musings From a SAHM
Erica @ Doodles & Doilies
I am excited you found my blog so I could find yours! I am always looking for more fun activities to do with children. I am excited to be your newest follower!
Vicky
Erika, it's a nice quiet activity too! 🙂 thanks for stopping by!
Vicky
Thank you Melissa! I will be by your blog more.
Vicky
Thank you Pam! I will have to try those pavers!
Melissa
Great idea for a blog! Thanks for stopping by Mel Dreams Often. I'm a new follower, too!
Pams Party
I came over when you posted on my painted garden pavers. My kids are a bit too old for this now, but what a cute idea.
About A Mom
Very fun idea! Thanks for stopping by today! I am returning the follow.
Vicky
Thanks Alida! The girls had fun while I worked on dinner.
Alida
What a fun idea!!