Also called pipe cleaners, this simple item is my second go to for fine motor activities (after pom-pom's of course!), especially to work on bi-lateral coordination (using both sides of the body). I love any activity that only requires a few materials, and only requires things from around your house, because it makes it accessible to every family. Grab some of these colorful, fuzzy stems, and use them with the activities below.
*Sometimes these stems can have sharp edges, so with my little ones I will fold over the ends to avoid any ouchies*
1) Pipe cleaners + colander: Put a pasta colander upside down on a table, and have your child push the stems through the holes.
2) Pipe cleaners + cereal: Grab some cheerios or fruit loops and have your child thread the cereal onto the pipe cleaner. It is easiest if you help by tying a knot on the end of the pipe cleaner so nothing falls off. I love using something edible with my little ones to ease the worry of them swallowing or putting something into their mouth that they shouldn't! You can also pretend that the finished product is a worm or caterpillar to add in imaginative fun :)
3) Pipe cleaners + beads/straws: For older children who aren't so quick to put non-edible objects in their mouths, try beads to make a bracelet or necklace. You can also use cut up plastic straws as "beads," if you don't have any beads at home.
4) Pipe cleaners and clothespins: Stick clothespins on the pipe cleaner and have your child practice taking them off and putting them back on. Larger clothespins will be easier for little ones to get the hang of at first, as smaller clothespins require more targeted strength and precision.
5) Pipe cleaners + empty toilet paper or paper towel roll: You can punch or cut holes in the empty roll, and have your child thread the pipe cleaners through the holes. You can also make it fun by gluing on "googly" eyes and making it into an octopus or spider.
6) Pipe cleaners + letters/shapes: For your older child who is learning shapes and letters, take a piece of paper and draw the letter or shape with marker or crayon. Then have your child try and imitate with the pipe cleaner and place it over the paper. I usually start with imitating how to make circles. You can even try and glue it into place (although with the chenille stems it won't always stick perfectly!). This is a fun way for a child going into kindergarten to practice their name.
Simple play incites your child's imagination, and there is so much that you can do with a few of these simple stems. As you see below, my dog Jensen LOVES these stems, and always tries to sneak away with them when I have them around, so watch out for your furry four-legged children!
