In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make SNOW and explain the benefits of sensory play.
Whether it is cold and snowy or sunny and warm this SNOW recipe never disappoints! You only need TWO ingredients to make this bin and it comes together in minutes!
It is soft and squishy. You can build with it, mold t, smoosh it and push it around.
You can add scoops and bowls, trucks and diggers, dinos or barbies. The possibilities for learning and play are ENDLESS!
This play can get messy but it does sweep/clean up easily and there are ways to minimize the mess!
Our snow recipe is also cost effective: you can purchase both of the ingredients from the Dollar Store!
Here are our best messy play tips!
Clean up-tips:
For easy clean up: keep wipes nearby, along with a plastic bag or trash bin to discard.
Wear old clothes or a bathing suit, and plan to head to the tub after this fun sensory play!
Take it outdoors! Wash it off with a hose when you're done.
Use an old beach towel or sheet under the bins to catch any spills.
How to encourage messy play?
Start small. Put a tiny amount in a bowl and explore with it to see how it feels!
Play with them! Roll up your sleeves and get messy with them.
Let them know that getting messy is OK.
Have a clean-up strategy so that they can wipe their hands quickly if it becomes too much. Maybe have a towel in their lap or wipes right next to them.
Encourage starting with just one finger. "Poke the Oobleck with your pointer finger. How does it feel?"
What skills are you working on during messy play?
Fine & Gross Motor Skills: As the child squishes and squeezes, they are developing their finger and hand muscles. Those same finger and hand muscles are responsible for self-help skills such as: feeding yourself, zippering your coat and holding a pencil during writing! Messy play can also help support spatial awareness, balance & coordination.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is simultaneously using your hands & your eyes for a task. Strong hand-eye coordination helps you with tasks such as feeding yourself, coloring in the lines & pouring a drink in a cup.
Bilateral coordination: Using both sides of the body to complete a task.
Cognitive development refers to how a child acquires and understands information; how they think, learn and problem solve. There are many opportunities to develop cognitive development during messy play through problem solving and understanding cause/effect.
Language Development: Messy play is SO good for supporting language development. There are opportunities to learn new words and practice phrases.
Social Skills: Messy play can help to establish and strengthen social skills. Children will practice using their manners, sharing, turn-taking and having patience.
Materials:
(3) cups Baking Soda
(1) cup Hair conditioner
Sensory bin or bowls
Spoon
Scoops, bowls, trinkets etc
Step 1: Pour baking soda and conditioner in a tub or tray and mix well.
Step 2: Add in your favorite scoops or bowls and PLAY!!
Make observations as you play:
How does it smell?
How does it feel?
What does it look like as it dries?
If it feels too sticky, add more baking soda. If it feels too dry, add more conditioner!
APFL TIPS:
Use a scented conditioner (our favorites are coconut and strawberry) for an extra layer or sensory goodness!
Pop this in the freezer for 30 minutes before playing and it will feel COLD like real snow!! This adds another element of sensory exploration into your play.
It is important to note that this is not a taste-safe sensory bin. If the person you are working with is still exploring with their mouths, I would monitor closely or save this recipe for later!
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to a week. This recipe is so fun but does not have the same shelf life as other recipes.
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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