- Use pipe cleaners to create creatures and people. Wrap a pipe cleaner around a pencil or dowel to create a coil shape, which can be used for bodies, arms or legs. Experiment with using other objects to shape the pipe cleaners into various body parts for the creations. Twist the body parts together to form the pipe cleaner creatures. Shape the feet of the creation to enable it to stand upright.
- Capitalize on the flexibility of pipe cleaners by using them to practice letters and shapes. Create a card for each letter of the alphabet, shape or number that you wish to practice. Show the children how to bend the pipe cleaner to match the shape of the letters and other objects. Provide the cards as a guideline for the kids. Use the letter-shaped pipe cleaners to practice spelling words for older kids.
- Implement pipe cleaners to create a raised picture. Use a piece of poster board or construction paper as the background for the picture. Shape the pipe cleaners into the various elements of the picture, for example, a car, street and road sign. Glue the shapes to the construction paper to create the desired scene. Add additional details with markers or crayons.
- Create bird feeders using pipe cleaners as the base. Make a small loop in one end of the pipe cleaner. String circle-shaped cereal pieces onto the pipe cleaner, leaving a small length at the end to create another loop. Hang the cereal-covered pipe cleaners outside for the birds to eat. Stringing the cereal onto the pipe cleaners allows young children to practice their fine motor skills. Kids also have the opportunity to study the birds that are drawn to the pipe cleaner bird feeders.
- Use pipe cleaners as the structure of beaded ornaments. Thread pony beads onto a pipe cleaner. Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to hold the beads in place. Bend the bead-covered pipe cleaner into any shape. Twist two pipe cleaners together to create larger beaded ornaments. Use the bead-covered pipe cleaners as bracelets or necklaces.
