Glue the colored noodles; a super simple fine motor art activity
Glue the colored noodles seem too easy to be true. Well, yes and no.
Yes, the concept of gluing noodles onto cardboard feels effortless. Almost as if we need a Pinterest idea to make this feel worth the time. (not true, btw)
And no, because gluing is something that takes practice. On the one hand, you have a toddler squeezing the entire container onto the canvas; on the other hand, you have a preschooler who can barely squeeze out a dot. Let’s meet this halfway.
Gluing takes practice, which is exactly what this easy fine motor and art idea is about.
RELATED: Fine motor practice is one of my favorite ways to work with young children. Here are 50+ Fine Motor Activities for Kids.
What do children learn from gluing?
When children use glue, they are practicing skills that help their brain process problem-solving along with cause and effect. They are also getting ready for kindergarten. (yep, I file this under more important that memorizing letters)
Children learn from gluing:
- Cooperation
- Holding a steady hand
- Improving with practice
- Making decisions
- Practicing self-control
- Predicting how much glue they may need
- Squeezing to improve fine motor strength
- Taking ownership of their work
Is the gluestick most accessible? Sure is! But bring on the Elmers for a bit of practice with liquid glue and muscle control.
Craving a calmer morning?
Breakfast Invitations are simple learning games to begin the day with play.
What glue can toddlers use?
My favorite liquid glue is Elmers. Send me a gluestick or pass me the bottle of liquid glue. Both are excellent practices for kids. – now, if only they could remember to put the cap back on
How to teach your child to use glue
Using glue isn’t as complicated as driving a car, even when we tend to overthink it.
The best way to teach a child how to glue is by offering experiences. We have activities such as cut and glue the snowman and gluing the fall leaves to piggyback off this activity here.
Sure, a child may use an entire container in one sitting. You know what? That child needs more practice. Over time, they will understand that a little dab of glue will do.
The child who cannot get it out of the container may need assistance. Remember back to first grade when the glue dried in the cap? Well, that still happens. Remove the lid and poke a toothpick to give it room to come out.
RELATED: Have a big kid? They have got to try this nature mural!
Supply list
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- Liquid glue
- Cardboard
- Colored Noodles – see how to below
RELATED: Don’t toss the unused noodles! We have a fun noodle sensory bin to check out!
Steps to color dry noodles
- PREP: Divide noodles into different plastic bags, or use a storage container.
- COLOR: Add a couple of drops of food coloring.
- OPTIONAL: Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol.
- MIX: Shake each bag or reusable container.
- PLACE: Put the colored noodles on a baking pan.
- COOK: Cook for a couple of minutes on low heat. I did seven minutes at 300 degrees.
- COOL: Allow noodles to cool.
- ENJOY! Get ready for some fun!
What is my child doing?
Let’s revisit this process art gluing activity.
I invited my preschooler to glue the colored noodles onto the cardboard canvas.
My job was to step back unless needed.
I did not need to overcorrect how he uses the glue. It takes a few over squirts to realize too much glue is hard to manage.
Instead, I emptied the dishwasher and watched his masterpiece from the sidelines. When he finished, we let it dry and held onto it until he moved on to the next art activity.
It is okay to hang child-created art for a few days (we love hanging on bedroom doors) or recycle. You do not have to keep all the things your child creates.
PRO TIP: Snap a quick picture of the artwork with your child before sending it off.
Now, who is ready to glue the colored pasta?
