In More Spaghetti I Say, author Rita Golden Gelman weaves a silly tale of a monkey named Minnie who is so in love with her spaghetti she can’t possibly play with her brother. There’s a wonderful mix of rhyme, rhythm and hilarity as Minnie explains to Freddie, just how much she loves her spaghetti. She not only eats it (and pairs it with almost any other food) but plays in it, and even skis down it! As Minnie, and eventually Freddie, say, “I love it, I love it, I love it, I do!” This book is just classic! A fantastic, simple read that children love!
After reading More Spaghetti I Say, you could do a whole language activity, asking the children what their favorite foods are. If you’re in the mood for a more creative activity, and feeling a bit brave, I’ve got spaghetti prints for you!
With the children, cut up some tan-colored yarn and place it in an old Cool Whip container, or other disposable bowl. Talk to the children about how this does and doesn’t resemble spaghetti.
Now it’s time to add the sauce (red tempera paint) and toss the spaghetti. You’ll need plenty of paint to cover the yarn – much more sauce than I usually put on my spaghetti! (You probably want to use plastic forks. I used real ones, but I’m just crazy like that sometimes.)
Now have the children “dish” up some spaghetti onto an art tray. Let them manipulate the “noodles” using their forks. ( A great fine motor exercise.) When they are satisfied with the arrangement of their faux spaghetti, help them place a sheet of paper on top of the noodles and press down to make a print. It may look something like this:
Definitely on the abstract end of the art spectrum! Point out where the “noodles” were and how they made the design on the paper. Help the children make more if you have the supplies and the time! As the children realize how the design is transferred, they may become more intentional about their arrangement of the “noodles”. Enjoy a great book and a unique project with the children you love and teach!
For more food-themed activities, click here!
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