Mama Loves Pipe Cleaners

I'm really trying to make an effort to do more things with Sam and Anna this year that require more than just the toys we have laying around already.  I've had to expand my horizons into learning through play experiences for the young set.  Although I'm only a student teaching experience away from being a licensed teacher for birth through pre-k (I currently hold a teaching license for kindergarten through 5th grade, but could expand it to 8th grade with a class or two as well), teaching toddlers is a little out of my usual comfort zone.  Hooray for pinterest, for really helping me out with an idea or two... or 50.

Idea #1:  After seeing this pinned over and over, I sat my wee ones in front of our colander and pipe cleaners and witnessed just how much fun sticking colorful sticks into little holes can be.

Idea #2: I brought home some lacing beads form my classroom, to see how Sam and Anna could do with the fine motor skills needed to lace a string through the holes.  It was a huge challenge for shoelaces, but pipe cleaners provided just enough of a help to make it challenging, but still do-able to put several beads together without help.

Idea #3: I made this project out of an oatmeal can and page reinforcers after seeing a similar one using a pringles can.  Sam and Anna had a ton of fun poking the pipe cleaners into the holes, even if they aren't getting the matching colors aspect completely yet.

Idea #4: I also put the pieces I snipped off the pipe cleaners to make them the right size for the oatmeal can in a empty water bottle for my little ones to manipulate with magnets.  They had so much fun with this that I need to hurry up and make another one so they can each have their own to use.

Idea #5: Finally, I'd love to make these phone number bracelets for my wee ones  on a pipe cleaner for the next time we are out in a busy public place, but I just can't find any number beads to use.  I've tried several craft stores in our area.  If you have a suggestion of a place to check for number beads, please let me know!

Pipe cleaners are more awesome that I ever realized.  I wonder if the inventor of the pipe cleaner ever had any idea where his idea would go!

I'm linking up with Julia's Mama Loves today!


* Disclaimer:  Some of these ideas contain small pieces that would be considered choking hazards.  Sam and Anna were under strict supervision during this activities and of course, I would suggest that any child that uses similar projects be under supervision as well.