I had a few minutes alone in the dollar store today (don't be jealous). I was looking for materials for my Kindergarten summer camp. I found some pool noodles ($1 each) and couldn't wait to put them to use. Of course they are good for their originally intended use as a fun pool flotation device OR as a tool to whack each other, as my kids have invented. But the uses for noodles are in the oodles (sorry, I can't ever resist the urge to rhyme).
I took a serrated knife and cut the noodles into pieces (1 1/4"each gives you about 35-40 pieces). I numbered 20 of the noodles with black sharpie marker (let dry for a few minutes) so that my students could string them in numerical order. On another set I am going to print the letters of the alphabet on them to string in alphabetical order, as well as make a set where the students can match upper to lowercase letters while stringing them in alphabetical order. So right there you have 3 activities.
You can also get them in a variety of colors, cut them in the same fashion as above and allow younger students to make a pattern of their own. You can also make pattern cards by tracing the noodles onto a piece of card stock and coloring in the outline in patterns that you intend the kids to match. And that gives you 2 more uses.
You can also cut the noodles and allow your children to use them to count with or practice adding with them. You can build with them, stamp with them (see the flower shaped one I found at the dollar store as well) or they can have a good time floating them in a water play container. 5 more uses.
See the uses are in the oodles for your noodles! What will you do with yours?
Go Ahead, Make Childhood Magical!
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