The best way to motivate children to read is to spark their curiosity. This activity does just that and more. It gives them the opportunity to play with their food and reinforces letter-identification skills in the process.

What this activity will develop:
Reading and language skills

What you'll need:

• Macaroni
• Spaghetti
• Two bowls
• Place mat or craft paper
• Pen and paper
• Index cards or cardboard

Setting up:

1. Place a packet of uncooked macaroni in a plastic bowl and uncooked spaghetti in another bowl.
2. Put a plain-coloured place mat or a sheet of craft paper on the work area.

What to do:

1. Ask your child to form letters with the macaroni and spaghetti and write them on a piece of paper above the place mat. The children will discover that the spaghetti may be used for the straight parts of the letters and the macaroni sections for the curved parts.
2. Let the children glue their letters onto index cards or cardboard to make a macaroni alphabet.

Select more skills:
• Listening Skills
• Math Skills
• Motor Skills Help
• Science Fun
• Reading Skills
• Vocabulary Builder

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