How to Dye Spaghetti for Ocean Sensory Play
- Gina
- May 15
- 3 min read
In this BLOG post I will teach you how to dye spaghetti to make "ocean seaweed" and the benefits of sensory play.
Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!
XO Gina
If you are ready for fun and festive summer activities, you have come to the right place! The ocean theme never fails. It is fun, engaging and a perfect way to incorporate thematic play into your day!
Why spaghetti? GREAT QUESTION!
It is soft, cost-effective and can lend itself to so many different themes.
Sensory bins like this are also SO calming. They can help a child (or adult) strengthen their self-regulation skills, focus and attention, all through play! They can also provide a safe outlet for those experiencing big emotions.
They also activate the senses. The soft texture of the spaghetti as it squirms and squishes around the sensory bin is AMAZING. It is so engaging and fun and interactive for people of all ages!
This spaghetti bin is PERFECT for working on beginning scissor skills! Use starter scissors (no blade) and work on the mechanics of cutting in a safe, fun and engaging way!
This bin is taste-safe, which means it is PERFECT for those who are still exploring with their mouths.
Taste-safe sensory play provides an option that is safe, for those who explore with their mouths, it does NOT mean that you actively encourage them to eat it.
You don't...you still set boundaries, you still reinforce that it is "not food!' but if and when they sneak a little nibble, you don't have to panic! It is less for kids' knowledge and more for the caregivers, teachers and/or therapists who are setting up the sensory experiences.
I never say, "this is taste-safe!" I just know that it is and make the decision based on ages, developmental level and experience with sensory play.
It gives us piece of mind.
It gives us options.
It allows everyone to be included.
Sensory Play Supports:
Language development & vocabulary
Cognitive growth
Fine motor skills (small muscle movements)
Gross motor skills (big movements)
Problem-solving skills
Communication
Exploration of textures
One's ability to make connections
The concept of cause & effect
Storage:
Store the spaghetti in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If it gets dry, add a few drops of water. Discard after use.
Materials:
Spaghetti
Food coloring (optional)
Mixing bowl
Pot
Sensory tray or bowl
Vegetable oil
Step 1: Bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cut according to the directions on the package.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water. Split the spaghetti into the number of colors you are making. You can split them into a mixing bowl or Ziploc bag,
Step 3: Add a small splash of oil and 5-10 drops of food coloring (add more or less depending on how much you make) and mix well, assuring that the colors are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Pour the spaghetti onto a baking sheet or sensory tray and let it dry for about 30 minutes.
Step 5: Drop it on your sensory tray or bowl and PLAY!!!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
Want more ocean sensory play ideas? Check these out:
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