There are so many ways to use dyed noodles in kids activities.
They are great for arts and crafts, early math concepts, and for fabulous sensory play. Today, we experimented to see if we could color pasta noodles using Kool-aid, and the results were just too fun! Read on for the easy tutorial.
The kool-aid colored the noodles vibrantly and made my entire house smell amazing! Are you ready to make scented spaghetti?
How to Dye Pasta Noodles Using Kool-aid
Materials
- Water
- Uncooked noodles
- Kool-aid packets
- Zip-seal bags
- A sensory bin/container
- Food coloring (optional)
Method
- Begin by adding roughly 2 cups of uncooked pasta to a zip-seal bag, using one bag for each variety/color of pasta that you are making.
- Momentarily set these to the side.
Making Kool-aid Dye
- Combine 1 packet of Kool-aid with 1/8 cups of hot water. Stir until the Kool-aid is dissolved.
- Then, pour the Kool-aid mixture into one of the prepared bags of pasta.
- Repeat this process for each Kool-aid color that you are using. Seal the bags tightly.
- Then, pass them off to kids and have them mix and shake them until the noodles are fully saturated in color.
- Once saturated open the bags and leave the noodles to dry right there inside of the bags.
- After roughly 4-6 hours the noodles will be ready for play!
Kool-aid Spaghetti Play
Once dry pour the noodles into a sensory bin or container. Add kitchen gadgets and play tools. Then, set the littles loose to explore!
As Rosie and Jewel played they reviewed early math concepts and sorted the noodles by color.
- Once sorted Rosie and Jewel counted how many noodles were in each cup. Then, I gave them tubes from our recycling.
- They loved counting to see how many noodles they could fit into the tubes, and of course it became a contest.
They played and played, eventually opening up a pretend restaurant. They had SO MUCH fun with the colorful noodles, and the whole room smelled fabulous as they played!
Extend the Fun
A Few Tips:
- Make glow-in-the-dark spaghetti.
- Make glowing noodle necklaces.
- Make spaghetti slime.
- Play & explore in GOBLIN GUTS.
- Play with "dirt & worms".
MORE KOOL-AID PLAY
- Kool-aid Play Dough
- Kool-aid Hair Dye
- Kool-aid Finger Paint
- Kool-aid Bubbles
- Kool-aid Easter Eggs
- Kool-aid Rock Candy
- Kool-aid Snow Paint
A Few Tips:
- In addition to the Kool-aid I added several drops of food coloring to each bag. I did this to create super vibrant coloring, but this step isn't necessary.
- You can buy Kool-aid in a variety of colors and scents on Amazon here.
MORE
for
KIDS:
