Fun with foam noodle chains

Over the summer, I purchased several foam swimming pool noodles to use in my classroom. I cut most of the noodles up into smaller pieces and stashed them away until I found a good use for them…

There are lots of fun ideas out there for ways to use foam noodles so I knew they wouldn’t go to waste but I couldn’t decide what to do with them until I received this Universal Book Display from GuideCraft

Click on this photo to find out you can win your own Universal Book Display from MommyPR!

I didn’t have a bookshelf for my classroom yet, so getting this in the mail was exactly what I needed to finish off my classroom library. I love how the books rest flat against the shelf. It keeps it easy for the children to see the titles of each book and a shelf like this is so much easier to keep organized for me and for the children.

Not only do I love the way you can display books but I also love the back of the book display. The long poles that go across the back of the bookshelf are perfect for creating new opportunities for play.

I took my cut-up foam noodles and added a little slit across each of them so they would open up.  The children put the noodle links on the poles to create patterns, to count and sort, or just to explore…

The noodle links can be hooked together to make chains as well….

The noodles will eventually start to break apart but they have lasted for several weeks of play so far without a problem….

We also played with our noodle links on the table….

The children made long and short chains and one little boy put his together to make a motorcyle…

We also tried a little noodle painting – the noodles are great for making fun circle prints on paper…

I plan to bring out the noodles for other activities as well. I think we will add some ribbon next time and try a little noodle lacing.

See Reviews

If you would like to learn more about the Universal Book Display then check out these posts from my fellow Guidecraft Educators...

Guidecraft Educator Review #3: Universal Book Display from Huppie Mama

Guidecraft Universal Book Display Review from Mommy Moments

Guidecraft Universal Book Display and Storage Review from SimplyStacie

Enter to win

If you would like to enter to win a Universal Book Display, then hop on over to MommyPR.  The give-away is open to residence of Canada and the U.S.

Links to Grow on

Pool Noodle Marble Run from Play Create Explore

Pool Noodle Marble Run from Irresistible Ideas for Play based Learning

Pool Noodle Printing from Play Create Explore

Caterpillar Counting from I Can Teach My Child

5 Ways to Use Pool Noodles on Dry Land from The Body Smart Blog

Noodle Threading from Mumma Made It

Water Noodle Lacing and Pattern Practice from My Little Gems

Pool Noodle Flowers from No Time for Flashcards

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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