Engage Children With Fun and Creative Project and Craft Ideas
Metro Services
(MS) - Faced with a seemingly interminable number of LOLs (Laugh Out Loud) and B4Ns (Bye For Now), it may seem as though your children are speaking a different language. However, it's more likely the kids are simply wrapped up in today's high tech world, which makes it easier than ever to plug in and tune out, potentially losing sight of their own inventiveness and creativity. As many parents will attest, the action and allure of computer and video games can be a tough act to follow in this day and age.
Yet there are many easy and creative ways to engage your children, and many of the supplies you'll need can be found right in your kitchen. Actually, a simple box of baking soda is a great place to begin. Read on for several project ideas from the baking soda experts at Arm & HammerŪ to help you create hours of excitement for kids while keeping them focused on creative projects that don't use a computer or TV.
Play Clay
Want to get your children's hands on something other than the remote control? With adult supervision, kids can make their own play clay. This simple project calls for 2 cups of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, 1 cup of cornstarch and 11/4 cups of cold water. Combine all the ingredients in a medium-size saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, over medium heat. After 10 to 15 minutes, the mixture should be the consistency of mashed potatoes. Carefully remove the clay from the pot, and cover it with a damp cloth. When cool, knead the clay like dough until it feels smooth. To color the clay, add a few drops of food coloring while kneading. Children can experiment by molding the clay into a variety of shapes while they discover new concepts about color and science.
Crazy Watercolors
Could your child be the next Picasso? Using ingredients you already have in your kitchen, you can help your child make crazy watercolors with a combination of 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water and 1 packet of dry unsweetened drink mix in any flavor. Mix the dry ingredients together in a small bowl, than add water and stir until the fizzing stops. Divide the mixture into several small plastic tubs or jar lids. To make different colors use different flavors of drink mix. Voila! Paper and brushes are all your little artist needs to get started on his masterpiece.
"Volcanic" Fun
Don't think your children can get excited about science? Kids have always been fascinated by volcanoes and they'll no doubt jump at the chance to make one of their own with you at home.
For an authentic look, start off with flexible cardboard and shape it into a cone, securing it with tape. Insert a 4-ounce cup to the top of the cone to make a crater. While the cone is standing on a baking sheet, cover it with plaster of Paris, making sure not to get any in the cup. When the plaster has dried, you and your child can paint the cone together to look like a real volcano. To create an "eruption," put baking soda in the crater cup and add a combination of vinegar, dishwashing liquid and red food coloring. Kids will be fascinated by the flowing "lava."
Taking some time out to try out these activities together is a great way for your children to learn about the world - and for you both to learn about each other.
For more "kitchen science" ideas and other exciting activities your children will love, visit www.armhammer.com.
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Last modified: 09/26/03
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