It’s about this time of year where I really start to hit a wall when it comes to entertaining a toddler in the house. When the temps dip below 20 degrees, we can’t stay outside in the snow for extended periods of time, so it’s up to me to come up with a whole host of projects that’ll engage him (and, well, engage me, too). I’ve committed to coming up with more new ways to engage my toddler in sensory play (activities that simulate toddlers’ senses including touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing).
This DIY kaleidoscope rice is the perfect project to engage kids in exploring colors with their hands. Even better, it’s simple, non-toxic, and costs next to nothing. My son loves the bright colors, and the play possibilities are infinite.
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Supplies:
- 8 cups uncooked rice
- Food colors
- White vinegar
- Ziploc baggies
Instructions:
Step 1: Add 1 cup rice to a bag.
Step 2: In a small bowl combine 1-2 tablespoons vinegar along with one of the food colors. The intensity of the color will depend on how many drops you put in.
Step 3: Add the vinegar mixture to the rice and seal the bag. Make sure to let out as much air as possible before sealing
Step 4: Squish the vinegar mixture all over the rice. This is a great time for the kids to get involved; they love squeezing all the color around.
Step 5: Once the color is disbursed on all the rice, pour out onto some wax paper and let it air dry.
Here are all my colors drying.
Now go use your imagination with it!
We filled jars in different color rows…it reminds me of the colored sand bottles from the fair.
Use a glue stick to create pictures.
Or just let your child swirl their hands around in the rice and explore what happens when the colors mix together.
