Sensory Toddler Activity: Spaghetti Lucky Dip

You will need:

• A load of spaghetti
• Large bowl
• Coloured, wooden blocks, or other brightly coloured, toddler-friendly objects

I first tried this activity with Freddie several months ago, and it involves a load of cooked spaghetti, cooled, bunged in a large bowl, and then colourful toys or blocks ‘hidden’ amongst it to create a ‘lucky dip’.

The aim is to get toddlers to plunge their hands into the spaghetti to find the blocks, feel the different textures, describe the how the spaghetti feels, and to name the different colours of the blocks that they pull out.

I’d make sure that you do this activity on an easily cleaned floor, or on a washable mat as the pasta gets VERY sticky. This activity is no friend to your lovely carpet!

Freddie got stuck in straight away and located the coloured blocks easily, telling me what he had found, and when prompted, what the spaghetti felt like. “Sticky Mummy” was an over-used phrase! I was quite surprised that he dived in so quickly, as he was quite funny with new textures i.e. not overly keen on the beach and sand, and this was another reason why I thought this would be a good thing for him to try.

Soon, the socks came off, and Freddie wanted to squelch his feet into the spaghetti- I was pretty shocked that beach-phobic son was keen to do this, but went with it! He loved it!

Sensory spaghetti- done!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.