The Chaos and the Clutter

Sharla Kostelyk

Candy Cane Oobleck

red and white swirls in a dish with candy canes and cookie cutters

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Looking for an easy Christmas sensory activity? This Candy Cane Oobleck recipe requires only 3 ingredients and is ooey-gooey fun! It combines sensory play with science for lots of holiday fun.red and white swirls with candy canes, peppermints, and cookie cuttersMy kids love playing with oobleck and this candy cane themed one was especially fun. They enjoyed creating patterns and molding and squishing it into a ball and then watching as that ball turned to liquid and slid off their hands.

What is oobleck?

Oobleck is a sensory play material that acts like a solid when under pressure but is a liquid at rest. That’s where the science of it all comes in. Oobleck is a non-Newtonian fluid because it can mimic the properties of both a solid and a liquid.

This festive Christmas offers a way to combine science discovery with sensory play.red and white swirls in a dish with candy canes and cookie cutters

Candy Cane Oobleck Recipe:

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Make one batch of white oobleck by mixing together 2 cups of cornstarch and 1 cup of water in a bowl.
  2. Pour it into a glass baking dish to form a single layer.
  3. Stir some red food dye into 1 cup of water.
  4. Mix the red water with 2 cups of cornstarch to make red oobleck.
  5. If you want, you can stir in a few drops of peppermint essential oil to make the oobleck smell like candy canes too. 
  6. Drizzle the red oobleck over the white.
  7. Drop some mini candy canes in there if you want or some Christmas cookie cutters or plastic candy canes and pretend peppermints.
  8. Invite kids to play.

collage of photos of red and white oobleck and a Christmas tree shaped cookie cutterThere is so much great sensory input in this activity. It provides wonderful tactile input, visual input, proprioceptive input, and if you use scent, olfactory input. Kids can squish it, squeeze it, tap it, drizzle it, smush it around, and pour it.

tray of red and white oobleck and candy canes with a pair of hands squeezing the oobleckThe science of it all:

I always find that kids learn best when they don’t even realize they’re learning. Invite your child or students to explore the oobleck and talk about their observations. 

When does the oobleck behave like a solid? When does it behave like a liquid?

Discuss states of matter. 

Read about Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids.hands holding red and white swirls of liquid

Important notes:

  • Oobleck doesn’t keep as well as slime or playdough so it’s best to make it the same day you want to play with it.
  • Never dispose of oobleck down the sink or it will clog your drain. Just allow it to dry a bit and scrape it directly into the garbage.
  • Adult supervision should be used at all times with this or any sensory play activity.
  • Although this recipe is technically taste-safe, I wouldn’t recommend eating it!

Sign up for your free Christmas Fun Jar activity ideas. 

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways:

Today’s giveaway is for a bit of Christmas cheer to bring to your home. The winner will receive a holiday decoration for their kitchen.

Please note: Only residents of Canada and the United States are eligible for today’s giveaway.

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Check out these other Christmas sensory activities:

Nativity Slime

I Spy Christmas Sensory Bag

Peppermint Playdough Station

Minute to Win It Build Edition

mother and daughter's hands play with building blocks

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Almost everyone of all ages loves playing with building blocks. This fun Minute to Win It Build Edition combines Lego or other building blocks with the challenge of trying to beat the clock. hands assembling building blocks. Text reads "Minute to Win It Build Edition"

The way Minute to Win It style games work is that each game is designed to be done in under a minute. These ones all involve building challenges. And as an added bonus, there are some fun Christmas themed ones too which makes this the perfect family activity for during the holidays.

Our family loves Minute to Win It games. In the video below, you can see our Minute to Win It Christmas Edition games. We pretty much use any reason to play these kinds of games though. Camping, Thanksgiving, or just for fun!

This Minute to Win It Build Edition also makes a great birthday party idea. Just add some decorations and food and you’re all set. 

Decorations:

The great thing about these particular Minute to Win It games is that the decorations are kind of already done for you. Just sprinkle some Legos here and there. If you want to take it up a notch, you can add brightly coloured balloons, napkins, and tablecloth.

Food:

While you can of course just set out some popcorn or chips, if you want to go with the theme, you can use some of these fun ideas:

Prizes:

Prizes are certainly not necessary as this is just fun to play, but if you want to offer prizes to the winners, some cute ideas that would go along with the theme are:

Minute to Win It Build Edition:

One of the things I like the most about Minute to Win It games is that they use supplies you likely already have on hand or are very inexpensive to get. Another benefit is that they work for a wide range of ages. If you want to play as a family, grandparents and parents can join in with the kids.

These particular games do involve building blocks which can present a choking hazard to young children, so adult supervision is recommended. 

Supplies needed:

How to Play:

  1. Print out the challenge cards on card stock. 
  2. Set out the building blocks.
  3. Each person or team draws a card and has to complete the challenge on the card within a minute. The directions for each game is written on the card.

mother and daughter's hands play with building blocksPlayers or teams can go one at a time or you can do a head-to-head style of play where two players or one person from each team attempt to complete the challenge at the same time and the first to complete it correctly is the winner of that round. That adds some competition.

The Christmas themed cards (there are 12 holiday challenges) can be used along with the regular game cards or on their own. four printed cards each with an alarm clock image and instructions for game playGet your free printable Minute to Win It Build challenge cards by entering your email below. You will also be entered into our email series 5 Secrets to Powerful Family Connection. 

Check out some of our other Minute to Win It Games:

Minute to Win It Family Night

Christmas Minute to Win It

Minute to Win It Dollar Store EditionDollar Store Minute to Win It party

Sensory Bin Starter Kit

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Sensory bins are simple to put together but provide a big “punch” in terms of benefits. Improved fine motor skills, sensory input (tactile, visual, proprioception, and sometimes auditory and/or gustatory), communication skills, and hands-on learning are just some of the opportunities that are presented to a child with sensory bin play.

If you’re new to creating sensory bins for your child or classroom, I’ve put together a Sensory Bin Starter Kit guide for you. green and blue water beads and toy frogs on top. Red filler and heart shaped erasers on the bottom.

And the best news? I’m giving away this entire kit to one lucky winner. This is part of my 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways. Enter below for your chance to win one of everything listed here.circle overlay on a photo of hands playing with pompoms. Text reads "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 4"

Note: Today’s giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the United States only.

Sensory Bins eBook

Sensory Bins ebook

The Sensory Bins book includes idea lists, storage tips, money saving hints, information on sensory processing in how it pertains to sensory bins, and sensory play recipes. It’s a great place to start.

Pluffle

This stuff is so fun! It kind of moves which is just super neat. I discovered it just last year. It makes a great sensory bin filler and is so versatile. You can see a video below of the pluffle in action.

Learning Resources Helping Hands Fine Motor Tool Set 

Sensory bins are a wonderful way to improve fine motor skills. This tool set includes large Gator Grabber tweezers, a Handy Scooper, Twisty Dropper, and Squeezy Tweezers. These are all designed for fine motor skill development. four plastic toys for fine motor skills

Adding one or more of these into a sensory bin will offer more ways to play and explore. I especially like the Handy Scooper for water bead sensory bins. 

For similar effects, you can also add kitchen tools such as measuring cups, measuring spoons, tongs, scoops, ladles, strainers, small bowls, and spatulas. These are great for scooping, pouring, measuring, moving, pinching, and grabbing. 

Water Beads

Water beads are such a versatile sensory item. They make an easy sensory bin filler. I’ve used them in so many of our sensory bins. 

Small Toys or Items for Play

One of the things I use most in my sensory bins are little toys found in these things called Toobs. I’ve used the space set, human organs, ocean animals, in the sky, arctic, insects, fruits and vegetables, penguins, dinosaur skulls, and many others.

Small toy cars, miniature trees, pompoms, and mini figures are other common items we often use in our bins. If you have all of these basic components and add them to a bin, you can create all kinds of wonderful sensory bins for your child to explore!

As with all sensory play, adult supervision should be used at all times.

Other Sensory Bin Resources:

Enter the giveaway for the Sensory Bins eBook, Pluffle, water beads, Learning Resources fine motor tool kit, and one Toob below. 

Note: Today’s giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the United States only.

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Check out all 12 Giveaways. You can enter them all!

Sensory Tools to Help Your Child

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I’m super excited to be able to tell you about today’s giveaway. Huggaroo has generously offered to donate all three of these prizes to one lucky winner. 

Please note: Today’s giveaway is ONLY OPEN TO US RESIDENTS.

When it comes to sensory processing and even emotional regulation, the right sensory tools can make all the difference. blonde boy upside down on top image, mother and daughter reading together on bottom image. Text "Sensory Tools for your child"

Sensory Tools to Help Your Child:

Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets serve many purposes. Here are some of the potential benefits for adults and children:

  • firm, gentle pressure provides proprioceptive sensory feedback
  • eases insomnia
  • produces a calming effect for some who have sensory processing disorder
  • lowers stress
  • reduces anxiety
  • improves focus in those with ADHD
  • better overall quality of sleep
  • helps with emotional regulation and mood
  • can be used for other physical and mental health concerns such as restless leg syndrome, PTSD, autism, OCD, and fibromyalgia

A good night’s sleep is so important for us to function the next day, not to mention our overall physical and mental health. Using a weighted blanket can help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and wake up feeling more rested.

Weighted blankets are scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety. 

It accomplishes all of these impressive things through something called deep touch pressure stimulation therapy. smiling boy in bed on colourful sheets under a blue blanket

What is deep touch pressure stimulation therapy?

Deep touch pressure stimulation therapy is firm but gentle pressure applied through squeezing, hugs, or holding techniques that relax the nervous system. This produces a calming, soothing effect that can lower anxiety.

This pressure can be applied with an actual hug or through the hands such as a massage or through tools or products such as weighted blankets, neck wraps, compression sheets, or specialized clothing. 

Deep touch pressure stimulation increases serotonin and dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitters and lowers cortisol, the stress hormone.  

The pressure of a weighted blanket in some ways recreates the feeling of a hug. Now more than ever, that is so needed. This can be so reassuring for kids who may feel anxious at night without their parent. 

When it comes to weighted sensory tools, it’s important that you get the right weight. Weighted blankets should not be used with infants and toddlers or those with certain health conditions. Consult your doctor before beginning to use a weighted blanket for yourself or your child.

Compression Sheets

Compression sheets work in much the same way as weighted blankets do. They provide firm, constant pressure in a gentle way. 

They also offer essentially the same benefits because they provide deep touch pressure stimulation.

It’s a bit like swaddling a baby. Of course, it isn’t safe to use these sheets with infants or toddlers. You want to ensure that your child can safely crawl out of the sheet themselves. 

 While the obvious benefits are improved sleep, lowered anxiety, and sensory needs being met, these can also be used during the day to calm your child if you sense that a sensory meltdown is coming on.

The Huggaroo Pouch compression sheet fits your child’s bed like a sock, open on both top and bottom but snug around. It’s smooth and stretchy, offering tactile and proprioceptive sensory feedback. boy in bed under a stretchy blue sheet with a teddy bearIt’s a great alternative to a weighted blanket for those that don’t want the heavy weight or heat of a weighted blanket.

Neck Wraps

The benefits of weighted neck wraps are again similar to those of weighted blankets. One of the nice things about neck wraps is that they are more portable, and can therefore be used at home, in school, or in other settings.

Some of my kids with sensory processing disorder have found that neck wraps help them when they need focus and concentration such as when they are writing an exam. a boy clutches a blue blanket while wearing a blue neck wrapWeighted neck wraps can be particularly beneficial for those with sensory processing disorder, autism, or ADHD. They can help reduce excessive movement and provide more focus and calming. 

I like the Huggaroo Weighted Neck Wraps. They are microwavable so they can be warmed. The combination of the proprioceptive pressure and the warmth is particularly soothing.

These are available in unscented or a subtle lavender scent which adds to the calming effect.  

You can also set them in your child’s lap so they can double as a lap pad!

Sensory Tools Giveaway

The winner of today’s giveaway will receive a 7 lb. weighted blanket, a Huggaroo Pouch compression sheet, and a neck wrap!

(remember that today’s giveaway is only open to US residents)

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Check out all 12 Giveaways. You can enter them all!

Christmas Activity Ideas Jar

clear jar with red and white polka dot ribbon on the top and the words "Christmas Fun Jar" on the side

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So often, the holiday season can become centered around material things like the gifts we’re purchasing or receiving for Christmas. Instead of focusing on presents this year, why not put your effort into making memories with your family? With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, sometimes that’s easier said than done.red and green popsicle sticks near a pencil with a gingerbread decoration What if I could make it super simple for your family to enjoy the holiday season together with the help of a variety of fun activities? This adorable Christmas fun jar is a great way to come up with activities your family can enjoy during the holiday season with very little effort on your part.

Christmas Activity Ideas

One of the hardest parts about creating holiday traditions with your family is coming up with Christmas activity ideas everyone in the family will enjoy. But with this easy holiday craft, the hard work is already done for you!

The printable PDF included with this fun craft comes with 30 different easy holiday activities. In addition to being simple to do, most of the activities on this list can be done right at home. That makes them perfect for enjoying time together while you’re stuck inside!

This big list of Christmas activities includes traditional holiday ideas, like baking cookies and wrapping Christmas presents, as well as some unique activities to enjoy together as a family. But the best part about pulling an activity out of this cute jar is that you never know what you’re going to get!clear jar with red and white polka dot ribbon on the top and the words "Christmas Fun Jar" on the side

How to Make a Christmas Fun Jar

Making this Christmas activity jar couldn’t be easier. Start by downloading the printable list of activities and the jar label. Cut out each activity on a single strip of paper. Use the helpful guide lines to cut the activities so that each activity fits perfectly on a popsicle stick.

After you have all the activities cut out, just glue one strip to the top of a popsicle stick. You can give your jar a festive holiday look by using red and green popsicle sticks. I got mine at the dollar store or you can use plain popsicle sticks to hold your Christmas activity ideas.

When all the activities have been added to popsicle sticks, place them inside a mason jar. Decorate the front of the jar with the Christmas Activity Jar label, then add a holiday bow on top to make it look extra special. After that, all you have to do is set the jar out for your family to enjoy!collage of photos of cutting strips of paper and glueing onto popsicle sticks and then them going in a jar

How to Use the Christmas Activity Jar

There are a few different ways you can use this Christmas activity jar to enjoy time with your family during the holiday season. Each of these methods are a great way to put a focus on making memories instead of purchasing gifts, ensuring your family has an amazing holiday season without the need for material things.

  1. Activity advent calendar. Advent calendars are a popular way to count down the days until Christmas. But there’s no reason you have to use a traditional calendar to incorporate this fun activity into your holiday celebration. Use your activity jar as an advent calendar by picking a different popsicle stick activity each day leading up to Christmas. Your family will have tons of holiday fun every day until the big day, helping you build up the excitement for Christmas day in the process.
  2. Memory makers. Make the most of the activities in your Christmas jar by using them to create lasting memories with your kids. Since most of the activities on the list are easy to do, there’s not much work involved in creating a fun time for your kids any day of the week. And allowing each kid to pick an activity for the day will ensure everyone in your family feels special throughout the holiday season.
  3. Adding new traditions. Finding good holiday traditions that everyone in your family enjoys can sometimes be a game of trial and error. This year, work your way through a variety of holiday traditions by drawing a new activity from the jar each day. This method will help you figure out which traditional holiday activities your family likes to do together and which ones aren’t very popular. Make a note of the activities your family enjoyed and start to incorporate them into your holiday celebration from year to year.
  4. I’m bored jar. Another fun way to use the jar is to help pass the time during the holiday season. If your kids are stuck at home this winter, you’re likely to hear the words “I’m bored” more than once. Every time one of your kids says those two words, let them pick a stick from the jar to help them find a fun way to pass the time.

gingerbread decorative topper on a holiday pencil with two popsicle sticks nearby

Christmas Activity Jar

Supplies needed:

jar with red and white polka dot ribbon filled with brightly coloured popsicle sticksDirections:

  1. Print out the activity sheet and label.
  2. Cut out the activity strips along the outer borders. (find the download for the label and activities here)
  3. Cut out the printable label around the outer edge.
  4. Glue the activity strips to the popsicle sticks and place the sticks in the jar.
  5. Glue the label to the front of the jar and decorate the top with ribbon.

Sign up with your email to receive your free printable jar label and activity idea strips.

Check out these holiday family activities:

Christmas Movie Bingogreen and white holiday bingo card

Minute to Win It Christmas Style

Nativity Playdough Station

Make This a December to Remember

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It’s no secret that 2020 has been a hard year. Coming up to Christmas, you may be feeling a mix of emotions. This year, your holiday celebrations and traditions may look very different than past years. But there are ways to make the best of it and make this a December to remember.three people looking in a window at a Christmas display. Text reads "A December to Remember"My friend Courtney from Click-it-up-a-Notch has designed a course called A December to Remember. This course will help you capture the moments and memories this holiday season and ensure you never forget.

Courtney has a gift for simplifying photography tricks. She allows moms to feel confident in forever preserving those treasured moments.

We all know that kids grow up too fast. Even by next year, they will have changed. That’s what makes photos such a blessing. 

If you struggle with things like:

  • how to capture a good shot when your subject (aka busy child!) is constantly in motion
  • memorializing those candid moments without it feeling forced
  • taking good photos by the tree or Christmas lights
  • the inspiration to document the moments before they’re gone
  • getting that group shot without everyone feeling frustrated
  • knowing how to create a heartwarming video using your phone camera
  • taking memorable photos of the people and traditions you love,

then this is for you!

collage of four Christmas photos including a baby in front of a treeI know that this Christmas and the weeks leading up to it might look very different than you’re wishing they did. But I also know that you can make the best of them.

Create new family traditions.

  • Do a holiday puzzle.
  • Play board games.
  • Watch Christmas movies snuggled under blankets.
  • Make a hot cocoa bar. 
  • Read a novel together every night.
  • Bake cookies.
  • Go toboganning.
  • Decorate gingerbread houses.
  • Sponsor a less fortunate family for the holidays.

a collage of four holiday photos including a mom and daughter tobogganing

Then capture those new traditions as well as some of your old ones using your amazing new photography skills. (there are also holiday video tips in there too…)

I’ve learned so much from Courtney and I’m sure you will too!

For those who want to get a jump start and just take the course now, Courtney is offering a $30 off discount for my readers with the code: CHAOS. If you purchase the course and then are drawn as the prize winner, she will refund you your purchase.

white circle overlay on dark background. Text reads "12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 2"Courtney has kindly offered to donate one course membership. Enter for your chance to win below:

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Check out all 12 Giveaways. You can enter them all!