Here's where I got the idea from:
~ Cornstarch Goop ~
- 1 box of cornstarch
- a container of water
- a bowl(s)
- spoons(s)
- measuring cup(s)
- newspaper or plastic tablecloth
- a large cookie sheet with sides
- food coloring
Lay out the newspaper or tablecloth to protect your surface and provide a quick clean up if you want. We didn't do this and had no problems. (Ellen forgot :D ) Since this is an activity that's fun for multiple ages, you can do lots of stuff to keep them all interested. For the older children, they might have fun helping you measure bits of cornstarch and water. The younger children would also have fun measuring or they might just want to dump it all together. You can't go wrong: too watery add more cornstarch; too hard add a bit more water. You just mix until the cornstarch is all incorporated and you have a slimy consistency. You can have the kids mix their goops in bowls with their hands or spoons (my kids found it easier to use their hands). They then poured it out into the cookie sheet to play with it and experience it. Don't worry if the kids eat it. It's completely safe and non-toxic. If you want different colors, add food coloring. The kids really like that although, we didn't do that this time. They've had fun with this goop before.
So what's all the fuss about this super simple goop? It teaches cause and effect since it changes consistency so easily and if pushed to once side will usually form itself back together in a "solid" mass. It's really easy for the kids to see themselves changing things. It's also great for fine motor skills as well as sensory as they handle with oddly textured fun. Plus, who doesn't like something that's relatively easy to clean?
