In this BLOG I will teach you how to make homemade, taste-safe paint, the benefits of sensory play and my BEST clean-up tips.
Head to our Instagram page to see more ways to learn & play at home or in the classroom! We love to see you play & share the joy of hands-on crafts & activities at home. Be sure to tag @aplayfilledlife on Instagram or Facebook if you try any of our ideas!!
XO Gina
Our recipe for taste-safe paint only requires 2 ingredients & it takes just a few minutes to make!! It is a great way to get creative and crafting with those who are still exploring with their mouths.
Not only is this activity FUN for all ages, but it is also incredibly calming for some kids. Arts and crafts, particularly painting is a great practice in self-regulation. It is known to reduce stress & anxiety in both children & adults. It not only encourages a quiet, peaceful environment but it also allows your brain to focus on the colors & the lines & the brush strokes, providing those "feel good feelings" that we all get when we are doing something we love!
If you have a sensory-sensitive child, you can put this same mixture into a plastic bag and seal it. Then have them squish and squeeze the bag, without ever touching it! This is also a GREAT way to practice writing your name, letters, numbers, shapes or words!
Sensory play is so beneficial for children, teens and adults! It offers a way to explore with our senses, create, learn and strengthen motor skills. It is also incredibly calming and can aid in self-regulation. If someone is still exploring with their mouths, it is important to closely monitor them and offer taste-safe options.
The thought process behind taste-safe isn't to encourage eating, but to offer an alternative that won't harm them if/when they do taste it.
Other taste-safe options could be:
Pudding
Applesauce
Baby food puree
Oats
Smashed up cereal
Want to extend your learning?
Practice writing letters, numbers, shapes or words in the paint! Even just the process of scribbling is an excellent way to strengthen motor skills and pre-writing skills!
Materials:
Yogurt OR
Whipped cream
Food coloring
Muffin tin, bowl or cup
Paintbrushes
I like to use a muffin tin because it is easy to clean, easy for my kids to use & I always have them on hand. But you can use any bowl, cup or container that you prefer! This small one is from the Dollar Tree & we use it for painting & crafting & loose parts storage!
If you are worried about spilling, put a sensory tray or baking sheet underneath the muffin tin to catch drips.
Step 1: Squirt the yogurt or whipped cream into your muffin tin- I don't measure, I just fill up each spot!
Step 2: Add 3-4 drops of food coloring into each spot.
Step 3: Mix each spot in the muffin tin well, until all of the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 4: Put out a piece of construction paper, a baking sheet, or a plastic shower curtain.
Step 5: PLAY!
APFL Tip:
If you have a young child who is exploring this taste-safe paint, you can sit them in their highchair and have them smoosh and squeeze it right on their tray! Then, wipe it clean when you're done. This will help to reduce them mess!
Check out our Shaving Cream Version HERE!
What to Paint:
We are fortunate to have an acrylic easel that we LOVE to use, especially during the warm weather months. You can also use this mixture to paint:
A window
A sliding door
The bathtub
A piece of paper
We have never had any issues with color staining surfaces but please always be mindful when using food coloring. If it gets on hands it will wash off with soap.
You can substitute the food coloring with washable paint if you prefer, but this will no longer be taste-safe.
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.
Use the hose to rinse the paint mixture right off!
You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor young children.
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