Fun (and homemade/inexpensive) Activities for KIDS!

Hi Ladies!

So now that I have started somewhat of an 'in home daycare' for a full time 15 month old and a 3 month old to start soon, I am putting together a routine for inexpensive yet educational and fun activities to do! These are all activities which inspire cognitive learning, motor skills, and enhance play while keeping costs slim to none! These are obviously for the 15 month old and some are still in trial and error stage! Here goes!

Washable Finger Paint

What You Need:
2 Tbsp sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 cups cold water
1/4 cup liquid dish soap
Food coloring


What To Do:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Whisk to combine. Gradually pour in the cold water and whisk. Set heat to medium and stir occasionally. Once the mixture begins to bubble, turn heat to low and whisk constantly until mixture is thickened and gel-like. Remove from heat and let cool completely, whisking occasionally.

Once cooled, stir in dish soap. Divide mixture into small airtight containers, one for each color you want to have. Add food coloring into each container and mix well. Use immediately or cover and use later.

Homemade Play-dough

What You Need:
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar
food coloring or your favorite kool-aid packet for scented play-dough!

What To Do:
Mix all of the ingredients together, and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken until it resembles mashed potatoes. When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the center, as shown below, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.

IMPORTANT NOTE: if your play-dough is still sticky, you simply need to cook it longer!
Keep stirring and cooking until the dough is smooth and pliable. It's okay to have it be a tiny bit sticky, you can always add a little more flour to it. Knead your play-dough on a lightly floured surface while it's still warm. Store in a zip lock baggy or tupperware container and it lasts FOREVER!! :)

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

What You Need:
cardboard toilet paper tube
waxed paper
disposable empty container (an old 32 oz. yogurt container works well)
Plaster of Paris
liquid tempera paint
water
plastic spoons

What To Do:


Line the inside of your toilet paper tube with waxed paper. Set the tube upright on another piece of waxed paper. The easiest way to line the tube is to roll the waxed paper up tightly and insert it into the tube. Then, spread the waxed paper out with your fingers. Make sure your container and spoon are disposable because you'll want to throw them out after you're done. Don't ever pour Plaster of Paris down your drain because it will harden and clog your pipes! To make the plaster mixture, combine 1 and 1/4 cups Plaster of Paris and 1/2 cup water in your plastic container. Mix it together until it looks like cake batter. If it's too thick, add a small amount of water. If it's too runny, add more plaster one spoonful at a time. When the plaster no longer dissolves in the water, you've added enough. Quickly stir in two spoonfuls of liquid tempera paint. Mix it really well. Pour the mixture into the lined tube and tap gently to get rid of any air bubbles. Let the chalk dry overnight and then remove it from the tube. It will still be damp, so let it dry for a few more days. Once it's dry, you've got your homemade chalk!