Using Dried Pasta For Activities

[muttley]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could tell me if we can use dried pasta shapes in a room that has 2 - 5 year olds to make a necklace? The pasta will be just the plain uncooked variety. I had been told that we couldn't use it but I can't remember why.

Thanks.

[rsvnyn]

Hi muttley

I am a placement student doing my diploma. For one of my project display for language development I used spiral pasta for the texture. The room leader said it was very good but now it is considered as wasting our food while some people are starving without getting food so she suggested me to use some natural materials like pine corns gum nuts etc...hope this helps!!!

[Lorina]

I'm sure many educators have a different opinion on whether or not "food" should be incorporated into different experiences during their play. There is nothing in the regulations about whether or not foods can be used for play however I think it just comes down to your own beliefs and personal ethics.

Funnily enough, this topic about using foods have come up in the forum before so I am providing you with the link so you can read the responses from there as well. There is also an attachment worth reading:

CHCFC508A - Should Food Be Used In Art Experiences?

Hope this helps,

,
L.A

[catchmeifucan]

For me, I believe for children to learn about food – they need an opportunity to explore it, feel it, taste it, smell it, and even play with it.

[Esther_te82]

I see what you're saying, Lorina, but I personally see nothing wrong in allowing kids to play with food.

[kiaraharper]

Well I have heard that letting kids play with food makes them insensitive towards food and they start wasting food. I however differ to this point. I feel that in order to let kids love food and understand its importance, we have to let them play with it as well.

[linsaa fdc]

I agree, how on earth did the rest of ever survive? We all played with it when we were younger, made pasta necklaces and we managed just fine.... its bureaucracy going crazy and people in higher places with far too much time on their hands... let the kids be kids, who doesn't love pasta activities?
Linsaa fdc

[Nandy84]

Hello,

Adding some links about activities with pasta

https://www.messylittlemonster.com/2016 ... s-for.html
https://handsonaswegrow.com/7-pasta-cra ... schoolers/
https://laughingkidslearn.com/pasta-thr ... -toddlers/

Hope this will work

Thanks

Nandita

[vofehic26]

For me, I believe for children to learn about food – they need an opportunity to explore it, feel it, taste it, smell it, and even play with it.

Absolutely right. I agree with you

[katebrownell86]

You can definitely use plain uncooked pasta to make necklaces with kids, but just be mindful that some types of pasta might have sharp edges, which could pose a risk if they’re not handled carefully. Also, uncooked pasta can be a choking hazard for younger kids if they’re not supervised closely. If you’re concerned about safety, you could use larger pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni, which are easier to thread and less likely to cause issues. Just make sure there’s close supervision and that it’s kept out of reach of toddlers who might try to put it in their mouths!