This post may contain affiliate ads at no cost to you. See my disclosures for more information.
One recent night after the kids had gone to bed, I decided to make some rainbow colored penne pasta for the kids to use in some projects. The first project we made with the colored pasta was to string together some rainbow necklaces. This is a perfect activity for kids working on learning their colors. It is also a great St. Patrick’s activity. Plus, any sort of beading or stringing work supports the development of fine motor skills. So this activity is a win-win all around!
Note: You can find this and other activities that support fine motor development on my Fine Motor Activities for Kids page.
To string our rainbow necklaces, I gathered the following materials:
- Rainbow colored penne pasta
- Necklace string
- Scissors
I invited the kids to put the colored pasta on to the string following a rainbow pattern. Learning how to thread string through various shaped holes is an important fine motor skill for young kids to practice. This task was challenging but not impossible for my kids, making it just the right developmental level for them to grow.
Grandmum was with us when we did this activity, and she and I worked with the kids to put the colored pasta on their necklaces in the right order to make a rainbow.
For XGirl’s benefit, we talked about each color as she put it on her necklace.
Such pretty colors!
After the kids completed one rainbow, they decided to make another. (Yay for patterning!)
And when they finished, they of course wanted to proudly wear their work!
More fine motor activities for kids
You can find this and other activities that support fine motor development on my Fine Motor Activities for Kids page and my Fine Motor Activities Pinterest Board.
Julie Cox
So cute! what a great fine motor skill activity. Also a great way to make patterns and work on learning the colors of the rainbow. I am a preschool teacher who will do this fun activity!
Katie
Thanks for stopping by. I hope your preschool kids enjoy!
Emily
Great post! Looks like lots of fun!
Did you dye the penne or purchase it? The colors are vibrant. 🙂
Katie
I dyed it. It was super easy to do. 🙂
Nicole
What a cute and simple St. Patty’s Day Idea! I Have pinned and will be using later!
Katie
Done! Thanks for the suggestion and for hosting the linky!
Vicky @ Mess For Less
What a great fine motor activity! this would be so fun a rainbow party!
Katie
Oh yes, I could see a group of kids really enjoying this at a party!
Tracey@We-Made-That
What a fun St. Patty’s day activity, and it gives them something fun to wear Sunday! Thanks for sharing on We Made That!
Jolanthe
Great fine motor activity {and cute to boot!}. Love it and thanks so much for linking up. 🙂
Cerys @ Rainy Day Mum
What fantastic bright colours your pasta is the threading is great for fine motor skills and so pretty when finished as well.
Thank you for linking up to Tuesday Tots and letting you know that I will be featuring this over on Rainy Day Mum this week.
Katie
Thanks for featuring our project! And I too was really pleased with how pretty the colors came out!
KC @ genxfinance
I guess the kids had a lot of fun making those, right? It’s really nice.
Rebecca from Here Come the Girls
What a lovely rainbow crafts – the pasta looks so pretty.
Thanks for linking to The Sunday Showcase.