Exploring Jack and the Beanstalk with Green Spaghetti and Peas: A Fun Sensory Activity for Infants and Toddlers
- Shania LaFreniere
- Feb 2
- 4 min read
During the month of February in my classroom we learn about fairy tales and nursery rhymes. With infants and toddlers it can be challenging to implement certain themes. I find adding sensory activities helps to mix things up and get them engaged and learning about the theme.
Sensory play is a wonderful way to support infant and toddler development while sparking their imagination. One creative and enjoyable activity I do each year is using green spaghetti and peas to bring the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk to life. This sensory experience encourages exploration, fine motor skills, and language development, all while connecting children to a beloved fairy tale.
Why Sensory Play Matters for Infants and Toddlers
Sensory play engages a child’s senses—touch, sight, smell, and sometimes taste and sound. For infants and toddlers, this type of play is essential because it:
Supports brain development by creating new neural connections.
Enhances fine motor skills through grasping, squeezing, and manipulating materials.
Encourages language growth as children describe textures, colors, and actions.
Promotes creativity and imagination by allowing open-ended exploration.
Using familiar stories like Jack and the Beanstalk adds a narrative layer that makes the sensory activity more meaningful and memorable.
Materials Needed for the Green Spaghetti and Peas Activity
This activity uses simple, safe, and edible materials that are easy to prepare:
Green spaghetti: Cooked and dyed with natural food coloring (spinach or matcha powder works well).
Fresh or frozen peas or canned: Thawed if frozen. If canned, drain the juice.
Large shallow tray or sensory bin: To contain the materials.
I have also done this activity in a highchair and on the ground to have children moving through the spaghetti and peas. When doing it on the ground I recommend putting plastic down.
Optional props: Small toy figures representing Jack, the giant, or a beanstalk cutout to enhance storytelling. I also like to add cups, spoons, measuring cups. We all know infants and toddlers love things that aren't toys, so adding spoons, bowls, etc. broadens the experience.
I find these materials are inexpensive and easy to find, making this activity accessible for most caregivers and educators.
Preparing the Green Spaghetti and Peas
To prepare the green spaghetti:
Cook spaghetti until right before al dente. If cooked until done it will become mushy when played with
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Mix the spaghetti with a small amount of natural green coloring, such as blended spinach juice or matcha powder diluted in water.
Spread the spaghetti on a tray to cool and separate strands.
Peas can be added directly to the tray once thawed or fresh. The combination of slippery spaghetti and round peas creates a variety of textures for children to explore.
Setting Up the Sensory Play Area
Create a safe and inviting space for the activity:
Use a low table or floor area with a washable mat underneath.
Place the tray with green spaghetti and peas within easy reach.
Add simple story props nearby to encourage imaginative play.
Ensure supervision at all times, especially since materials are edible and small peas can be a choking hazard.
Encourage children to touch, scoop, and explore the textures freely.
How to Connect the Activity to the Story of Jack and the Beanstalk
Use the sensory materials to retell the story in an interactive way:
The green spaghetti represents the beanstalk growing tall.
The peas can symbolize the magic beans or the giant’s peas.
Invite children to “climb” the beanstalk by moving their fingers through the spaghetti.
Use simple phrases from the story to guide play, such as “Jack planted the magic beans,” or “Look how tall the beanstalk grows!”
This connection helps children link sensory experiences with language and storytelling.
Benefits of This Activity for Development
This sensory activity supports multiple areas of infant and toddler growth:
Fine motor skills: Picking up peas and manipulating spaghetti strands strengthens hand muscles.
Sensory processing: Different textures and temperatures help children learn to interpret sensory input.
Language skills: Caregivers can introduce new words related to the story and textures.
Social interaction: Playing together encourages sharing and communication.
Cognitive skills: Exploring cause and effect, such as how spaghetti moves when touched.
Tips for Making the Activity More Engaging
Add a variety of green items like cucumber slices or green beans for more texture.
Use small containers or scoops to encourage pouring and transferring.
Sing songs or read the story aloud while children play.
Take photos or videos to share with families, showing children’s engagement.
Safety Considerations
Always supervise infants and toddlers during sensory play.
Avoid choking hazards by ensuring peas are age-appropriate and children are seated.
Use natural food coloring to avoid skin irritation.
Clean up promptly to prevent slips or messes.
Extending the Activity Beyond Sensory Play
This activity can inspire other learning opportunities:
Art projects: Use leftover green spaghetti to create textured paintings.
Gardening: Plant real beans or peas to observe growth.
Math skills: Count peas or measure spaghetti strands.
Storytelling: Encourage children to create their own versions of the beanstalk story.
These extensions deepen children’s connection to the activity and support ongoing development.
Thank You for reading!! I hope your little one enjoys this activity. Please subscribe, like, and comment. Thank you! I'd love to hear how it worked out for you or answer any questions. Catch on the next post have a Great week!! - Shania
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