Silly Putty

Materials
2 cups white glue
2 cups water
3 tsp. twenty mule team borax
Food coloring

Set-Up
Mix glue and 1 c. water with food coloring in a container
Mix borax and most of rest of water in a separate container, saving some water
Stir glue mixture, adding borax mixture in thirds
Mix in last bit of water with hands until mixed thoroughly
Mixture may be slimy or sticky at first, keep mixing!
Keep off carpets and clothes, only thing that gets it out is vinegar

Developmental Opportunities
Children may associate it with scrambled eggs
Children will experience the unique texture
Children will be able to stretch and pull the putty

Rainbow Stew

Materials
1 cup cornstarch
4 cups water
1/3 cup sugar
Food coloring

Set-Up
Combine dry ingredients
Stir in cold water
Cook 2-3 minutes in a Teflon fry pan until thickens
Divide into 3 bowls, add food coloring- red, yellow blue
Put 2 T. of each into a large zip lock bag
Roll out air, seal with duct tape.
Mix colors

Developmental Opportunities
Children will learn about the prime colors- red, yellow and blue
Children will discover what colors are made by mixing prime colors
Feel the warmth and the goo gliding between hands

Ooblach

Materials
2 parts cornstarch
1 part water
Food coloring

Set-Up
Mix 2 parts cornstarch with 1 part water
Put food coloring in water
Mix by hand in shallow tub
Leave in tub and let children play

Developmental Opportunities
Children will experience that when they run their fingers across the top of the Ooblach that it feels like it is solid
Children will feel the Ooblach melting and falling between their fingers
Observe that it molds/sinks back into the tub

Manipulative Materials

By playing with manipulative materials children learn about coordination, they practice their vital motor skills and they strengthen their muscles as they roll, squeeze, poke, knead and shape the dough into all sorts of creative ideas.