The Chaos and the Clutter

sensory play

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. 

Check out these other Christmas sensory activities:

Nativity Slime

I Spy Christmas Sensory Bag

Peppermint Playdough Station

I Spy Forest Animal Babies Sensory Bottle

clear bottle filled with dry rice and forest animal buttons

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Create an opportunity for kids to explore through play with this I Spy Forest Babies sensory bottle. It’s easy and inexpensive to make and can be used at home or in the classroom.

clear bottle with white rice and mini animals in it. Text reads "Forest Animal Babies sensory bottle"Kids will use their tactile, visual, and proprioceptive sensory systems. They can also practise counting skills, memory, visual recognition skills, and communication. 

I Spy Forest Animals Sensory Bottle:

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Using a funnel, add a small amount of rice to the bottom of the bottle.
  2. Place a forest baby animal button inside the bottle.
  3. Repeat the above steps until all the animals are placed inside the bottle. By layering the rice and animals, they won’t all be in the same place. We included two foxes, a porcupine/hedgehog (hard to tell what it is!), squirrel, owl, and skunk.
  4. Fill the remainder of the bottle with rice, but leave some space for the rice to move around. You can empty out rice if you feel the rice doesn’t move enough to allow the animals to be seen.
  5. Replace the lid on the bottle.
  6. If you want to secure the bottle, you can secure the lid with a hot glue gun.
  7. Give the sensory bottle to a child to explore.

four photos of the process of putting rice and small animal buttons in a sensory bottleKids can move and shake the rice around to find all of the forest babies in the bottle. You can also give them a cheat sheet so they know what they are looking for.clear bottle filled with dry rice and forest animal buttons

Ways to expand this activity:

  • Have kids draw the animals as they find them.
  • Set out books on forest animals.
  • Watch a movie like Bambi about animals in the forest. 

As with all sensory play activities, adult supervision should be used at all times. Even if you have secured the lid with glue, it is still possible to get it open and the bottle contains small parts which are choking hazards. 

Are you looking for more easy sensory play ideas to try? Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Check out some of our other sensory bottles:

Astronaut Sensory BottleColour Mixing Sensory Bottle

Alphabet I Spy Sensory BottleA closeup picture of a sensory bottle filled with bright colours of alphabet beads and bright coloured tinsel.

Stretchy Superhero Slime

hand presses into blue slime with coloured confetti in it

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This stretchy superhero slime is great for inspiring imagination. It can be used for sensory play or made as a party favour for a superhero themed birthday. child's hand presses down on blue slime. Text reads "Stretchy Superhero Slime"One of our daughters is a huge fan of all things superhero. She loves the Marvel and DC movies and comics. She is inspired by the thought of superpowers. We even had a DC themed birthday party for her last year.

hand pulling up blue slimeSo I guess it comes as no surprise that I’m talking about how to make superhero slime.

Superhero Slime Recipe:

Supplies needed:

Directions:

  1. Pour the blue glue into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Use a fork to stir in 1/4 cup of warm water.
  3. Add 3 Tablespoons of liquid starch and stir well for 2 minutes.
  4. Test the slime. Add more water if too stiff, more liquid starch if it’s too sticky.
  5. Continue stirring until the slime forms into a ball, then knead for 2 minutes, adding more water or liquid starch as needed.
  6. Once the slime is stretchy and no longer sticky, knead in the superhero themed confetti.

collage of photos showing the process of making blue slime with added confettiAs kids play with their slime, they engage their visual, tactile, and proprioceptive sensory systems. Getting enough sensory input is important not only for brain development, but for emotional regulation. 

collage of photos of blue slime with confetti in itSlime can be stored in a resealable bag or airtight container when not being used.

As with any sensory play, adult supervision should be used both while making the slime and while interacting with it afterwards. Hands should be washed thoroughly after playing with this or any other slime.

Ideas for using this slime as a party favour:

hand presses into blue slime with coloured confetti in itAre you looking for other easy sensory play recipes to make at home? Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Check out some of our other slime recipes:

Camo Slime

Unicorn Fluffy Slime

Textured Butter Slime

Basic Homemade Playdough Recipe

balls of playdough in 6 colours stacked on top of each other

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Homemade playdough is so much better than store bought. It’s softer, less crumbly, easier to play with, and it lasts far longer. Making your own is easier than you might expect. 6 different colours of playdough balls stacked on top of each other. Text reads "Homemade Playdough Recipe"When I was growing up, my mom made homemade playdough. For some reason, our playdough was always green. I’m not sure why she never made it another colour, but when I think of homemade playdough, a certain shade of green is what comes to mind!

My mom used a recipe she got from my Auntie Barb. When I became a mom myself,  I started with that same recipe. 

I’ve adapted it slightly, but this is essentially just a good old-fashioned homemade playdough recipe.

Of course, when I discovered that playdough could be made in the KitchenAid and I could avoid sore arms from all the stirring, I never went back to the stovetop method again. 

I’m including instructions for both the KitchenAid and stovetop methods below, but if you have a KitchenAid, that’s the method I recommend. 

<h2″>Basic Homemade Playdough Recipe using a KitchenAid:

Supplies needed:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • food gel or food colouring 
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • optional: glitter

Directions:

  1. Put dry ingredients (flour, salt, and cream of tartar) in the KitchenAid mixer. 
  2. Add the oil and food colour and begin mixing using the flat beater. 
  3. As it is mixing on the lowest setting, pour in the boiling water. 
  4. If you want to add glitter, add it at this point.
  5. Continue mixing until the playdough forms a ball and is the right texture.
  6. It is now ready to be played with. When not in use, store in a resealable bag or airtight container.collage of photos of child playing with playdough

Basic Homemade Playdough Stovetop Recipe: 

Supplies needed:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 2 Tbsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • food gel or food colouring 
  • 1 cup water
  • optional: glitter

Directions:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients together with the oil, food colour, and water in a pot on the stovetop.
  2. Stir over medium heat with a wooden spoon.
  3. Scrape the sides and bottom, stirring constantly.
  4. Keep stirring!
  5. Cook until the dough forms a ball.
  6. Remove from heat. 
  7. Place the dough on a piece of wax paper. 
  8. Knead. If you’re adding glitter, mix it in at this point.
  9. Allow to cool.
  10. When playdough isn’t being played with, store in an airtight container or resealable bag.

As with all sensory play activities, adult supervision should be used. Consuming large quantities of salt is dangerous for children so this playdough should not be eaten. balls of playdough in 6 colours stacked on top of each other

How to scent playdough:

There are several ways that you can add smell to playdough. You can add a few drops of essential oil, spices, or extracts. Scents are either alerting or calming, so you’ll want to choose a scent accordingly.

If you’re wanting to add it to a calm down kit, you’ll want to choose a calming scent whereas if you’re making playdough for a learning activity, you’ll want to add an alerting scent.

Essential oils to add:

Extracts to add:

  • vanilla
  • peppermint
  • almond
  • caramel
  • coconut

Spices to add:

Add only one type of scent to each batch of playdough. Be sure to be mindful of allergies. 

There are so many ways to play with playdough that go so far beyond play. Kids can work on their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, communication, shapes, colours, sensory input, and cognitive skills. child's hands press a dog bone shaped cookie cutter into blue playdough

Ways to play with playdough:

child's hands press a star shaped cookie cutter into purple playdoughGet an entire set of printable transportation alphabet playdough mats free by entering your email address below. You’ll also be signed up to receive our email series Sensory Activities and Solutions.

How to Make Pumpkin Slime

clump of orange slime

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If you’re looking to make a Hallowe’en slime that’s not too scary, this pumpkin slime is a great choice. It’s festive and fun but still good for preschoolers. Once you learn how to make pumpkin slime, you’ll be able to easily make it anytime.orange slime stretched out on top and in a clump at bottom. Text says "Pumpkin Slime"

Looking for a creepier version of Hallowe’en slime? You might want to check out our spider web slime or make some glow-in-the-dark slime. Slime is a great addition to a classroom party or an October gathering. collage of photos of pumpkin slime stretched and in clumps

Pumpkin Slime Recipe:

Supplies needed:

*Note: You can use other brands of clear glue, but in my experience, Elmer’s washable clear school glue gives the best results for slime. 

clump of orange slimeDirections:

  1. Pour the bottle of clear glue into a medium-sized bowl.
  2. Stir in 1/4 cup warm water using a fork.
  3. Add 1/4 cup liquid starch. Stir well for 2 minutes or so.
  4. Mix in a drop or two of orange food dye.
  5. If the slime is too stiff, add more water. If it’s too sticky, add more liquid starch.
  6. Continue stirring until the slime forms into a ball.
  7. Knead for about 2 minutes, adding more water or liquid starch if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
  8. Once the slime is stretchy and no longer sticky, knead in the pumpkin confetti.

collage showing clear slime with orange pumpkin confetti being madeSlime should be stored in an airtight container or sealed bag when it’s not being played with. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly after handling slime. 

Variations of pumpkin slime:

  • Instead of pumpkin confetti, mix in actual pumpkin seeds.
  • Skip the orange food dye and keep the slime clear. Depending on which confetti you use, it may dye the slime orange over time anyway.
  • The stretchy pumpkin slime is a good one to use for our Halloween sensory game. 

orange slime stretched out with fall leaves in the backgroundAs with all sensory play recipes, adult supervision is recommended. 

Looking for other easy sensory play recipes to make with your kids? Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Check out these other Hallowe’en slimes:

Spider Web Slime

Black Glitter Slimehands holding dripping black slimeGlow-in-the-Dark Slime

Halloween Sensory Bottle

close up of a sensory bottle with orange pumpkins and purple hues

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When we think of Halloween, we may think of dark, black, or scary, but the October holiday can also be celebrated with cheerful colours like purple and orange. That’s what I like about this Halloween sensory bottle. bottle filled with liquid and floating orange and purple items. Text reads "Easy Halloween Sensory Bottle"This is a simple activity to do in a preschool class or at home. Because the glitter and confetti travel slowly through the glue and water, it makes a great calm down bottle for kids to observe when their emotions get too big.

Halloween Sensory Bottle:

Supplies needed:

close up of a sensory bottle with orange pumpkins and purple huesDirections:

  1. Empty one bottle of clear glue into the plastic bottle. 
  2. Fill the empty glue bottle about half full with warm water and seal with the lid. Shake well to combine the remaining glue with the water. Pour into jar with glue and shake to combine.
  3. Add some of the glitter, sequins, and aquarium rocks.
  4. Seal the jar and shake well. If the glitter or confetti do not move easily, add more warm water. If the glitter or confetti move too quickly, add additional glue. Continuing adding in layers of water and glue with the glitter, sequins, and orange and purple rocks until you achieve the desired effect.
  5. When the contents of the bottle move the way you want them to, seal the bottle with the lid.
  6. You can use a hot glue gun to secure the lid in place to avoid spills.
  7. If you want to make the sensory bottle more festive, you can cover the lid with Halloween themed washi tape or  glow in the dark duct tape.

collage of supplies and finished project of a Halloween sensory bottleAre you looking for more easy sensory play ideas? Join us for a five day email series on Sensory Activities and Solutions and get a free sample of our Sensory Play Recipes eBook.

Check out these other Halloween sensory ideas:

Black Glitter Slime perfect for Halloweenhands holding dripping black slime

Hallowe’en Sensory GameSpider Emotions Matching Game

Spider Web Slime