A Skill Building Project for the Kids

First, let me tell you I did not come up with this idea.....I saw it somewhere on the internet, but can't seem to find it now that I'm looking for it!  Anyway, we've been having a lot of rain around here lately and my kids have been bored.  What's a Mom to do, but start hunting for fun, easy and not too messy projects to keep them occupied.....

Next time you are in a hardware store be sure to pick up a handful of paint swatch strips (make sure you have 2 of the same strip for each color).  You will also need a bag of wooden clothespins.

Grab some scissors and a glue stick from your craft drawer and sit your kids down for some fun.
Separate the duplicate paint swatch strips and set them aside.  Now take the other stack and cut a thin strip of each color - you need each strip to be about as wide as the clothespin.  (If you have older children, let them cut - it's great use of fine motor skills)

Have your children glue each strip of color on top of a clothespin (color side up). Another great use of fine motor skills....

When all the strips are attached, let your kids have fun matching colors - it's not as easy as you think it may be!

Once they do that, you can make up games...my 5 year old was very creative in giving out points for each correctly matched clothespin. 

The best part of this project is that the total cost will be under $1.00! 

Have fun!  And if you know any pre-school/kindergarten teachers, be sure to pass this idea along!