Keep 'em busy for one hour!

This morning I had an activity that kept Liam busy for an hour! And with the exception of a few check-ins and helping him with the end of the project, Liam did everything on his own.  I thought I'd share with other moms out there because an activity that can keep your 3 year old independently occupied for an hour is a winner in my book!

Activity: Pasta Noodle Necklace

Supplies:
Large Pasta Noodles (Penne or larger)
Finger Paint
Paint brush
String
Paper towels
*A work space that can handle a little washable paint!

Below is the breakdown! 

I showed Liam how to paint the noodles and this kept him busy for a good 40 minutes.  I only had to help him once as we changed the muddy paint water.

We let the painted pasta dry on a paper plate.

I then showed him how to string the noodles onto the necklace.  I thought this would be too hard for him since the string was so thin.  But he wanted to do it all by himself.  So this kept him busy for the next 20 minutes.

Suggestion: I used string that was a bit firmer so it was easier to loop through the pasta.

 

After putting the painted pasta on the string, I helped Liam tie the necklace knot.

 

We're making these for his grandmas for Thanksgiving. (And if this activity still keeps his interest, we could be making these for the entire family!)

It was great to have him occupied this morning!  He was working so well independently that I even had time to make homemade scones!!

Super MOM style today folks!

Anywho - thought I'd share!  If any other moms, dads, babysitters, etc. have activities that really work for their kiddos, pleas share!  The trick is giving them something to do that I do not have to manage!