I am always looking for a way to work with kids (whether my own or at work) through play and art. I really believe these are valuable methods for working with young children.

Also, when I can use up all of the materials I hoard, er collect at the same time, it is an added bonus. For me and the hubby.

This was one of those projects. I love to make wreaths out of pool noodles, but to do so I cut off about a foot from the end.

I would never think of throwing these away, but the have been sitting in my garage for a few months now.

Until this morning when we made these at school!

Aren’t they fun?!

I cut up some pipe cleaners and the kids just pushed either end into the pool noodle. It was super simple but a great small pinching activity that helps fine motor control which transfers nicely to a pencil grip and learning how to write and control pencils.

See how sneaky I am??

I am going to add more to them and then will have to find a cool way to display them in class, I will make sure to share that with you as well!