Corn kernels are an amazing sensory base. They're soft, they make a unique sound & they can be used in so many different ways!
Did you know that you can dye corn kernels? It is a bit of a labor of love BUT once you do it, they will last years!
Here are the steps:
Materials:
Glass jars or bowls (I use one for each color I want)
Corn Kernels
Food coloring
White vinegar
Strainer
Baking dish, lined with paper towels
Sensory tray or bowl
Scoops, trinkets, etc
Step 1:
Start by filling your jars or bowls with dry corn kernels. I didn't measure this, I just split up what I had equally across the jars! I wanted to do red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple so I used six jars.
Step 2:
Add in 5-10 drops of food coloring to each jar. The more you add, the more vibrant your colors will be! I used a 3-pack of food coloring & mixed the colors.
Red.
Red + yellow = orange.
Yellow.
Yellow + Blue = Green.
Green.
Blue + Red = Purple.
Step 3:
Fill the jars or bowls with white vinegar. I added enough to completely cover the kernels.
Next, add a lid & shake well OR use a spoon & stir very well. You want to make sure the food coloring is mixed into the vinegar & that all of the kernels are covered.
Let them soak for a few hours; I actually left them in the mixture overnight!
Step 4:
Once your kernels have sat in their vinegar & food coloring bath, its time to rinse & dry.
Place a strainer in the sink & dump the jar in. Rinse well.
Pour onto a paper-towel lined baking sheet.
REPEAT with all of the jars.
Step 5:
Once they have completely dried, they are ready to play!
Put them in a sensory bin or tray with your favorite scoops, bowls & trinkets.
How to play with them:
Dump them, pour them & scoop them!
Sort them by color.
Count them.
Stomp pretend animals through them.
Drive your mini cars through them.
Add plastic letters or numbers & practice your phonics skills.
Storage:
Store them in an airtight container when you are done & they will last for years!
Warning:
Small items can be a choking hazard. Always monitor young children during sensory play. You get to decide what is safe & manageable in your home.
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