Sensory activities facilitate exploration and naturally encourage children to use scientific and psychomotor processes while they play, create, investigate and explore. For this first activity we decided to do something really simple that the little ones can do themselves too! Rainbow ice is as simple as just adding a few drops of food colouring into the tray and mixing it with water.
Ingredients:
- food colouring
- water
That's it!
For this activity we decided to let the little one try his hand at putting the colouring into the tray. This undoubtedly trained Tristan's dexterity and motor skills in picking objects as well as depositing. Note: depending on your child's motor skills, you might want to line the area with cloth or plastic so as to avoid getting accidental stains on the furniture when doing this part.
Simply add water once the food colouring is in, then place the mixture in the freezer! The colour of your ice cubes undoubtedly depends on how much food colouring you add in, so feel free to mix it up!
After a few hours in the freezer, voila! We have hardened ice that is both safe to touch and looks beautiful! Note: the ice seems to melt extra fast, so be sure to take it out of the freezer only when you are ready to play with them.
Tristan gave a loud "WOW!" when he saw the ice and was so eager to get his hands dirty! Absolutely loved picking up the ice and feeling how cold the ice! It was a new experience as we don't normally touch ice! He immediately set about decorating his new artwork with his coloured hands! We especially loved rainbow ice because it is both safe (especially for younger children who might put their hands in their mouth) and a fun activity at the same time. Bonus points for being two activities in one, from making the ice (which was quick, simple and easy to make) to playing with the ice and even creating an artwork out if it.
Rainbow ice is definitely a go-to activity for us whenever we need a quick fix for the kids! Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think!
Got an idea for our next play session? Email us at hello@weekendkids.sg or drop us a DM to suggest other sensory play ideas!