Showing posts with label Spring Activities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring Activities. Show all posts

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Free Spring Word Scramble Printable for Kids

This free printable spring word scramble game is perfect for kids of all ages.

My seeds are sprouting and growing strong. I've already had my first nap of the year in the sunroom. Things are definitely feeling like spring around here and I'm all for it, especially after our long winters. 

So despite the large heaps of snow in both my front yard and my back yard, it seems like spring is here. However, there's always the possibility of one more dump of snow so, like any good Saskatchewanian, we haven't packed up the winter gear just yet. Although I could probably put away our snowshoes...

Either way, it's time to do all the spring things and enjoy some spring themed activities with the kids. Up first is this spring word scramble.

Free printable Spring word scramble game for kids with answers

Why Word Scramble Games are Good for Kids

Word scramble games are a great way for kids to work on vocabulary, spelling, language skills, working memory, problem-solving skills, writing, and so much more! There's a wide range of skills you could target here. Just get creative.

You can use free printable word scramble games like this one at home, in the classroom, or even on the road. Or you could use them in Zoom meetings for online learning (tips on how to do so here). They'd even make a great rainy day activity too!

Also, if you've been looking for other ideas on how to use your hyperlexic child's interests in letters, then word scramble games are a great fit. They definitely build off of a hyperlexic child's interest in letters. I mean the game is literally just a bunch of letters. Besides, using your hyperlexic child's interest to teach new skills is definitely something you should be doing - and something you'll hear me say a lot around here!

So anyway, if you're looking for a quick spring activity, then give this spring word scramble for kids a try.

Download the Spring Word Scramble Printable

This printable is three pages total. Two versions of the word scramble game are included (one with a word bank and one without the word list). Each game contains 14 spring themed words. An answer key is also included.

To get your copy of the spring word scramble, click the link below:

>> Click here to get the free printable

 

Free printable Spring word scramble game for kids with answers

Continue reading "Free Spring Word Scramble Printable for Kids"

Monday, May 30, 2016

DIY Upcycled Bubble Blowers

Quick and easy DIY bubble blowers for kids made from the Bunch O Balloons adapters.

Nothing beats blowing bubbles in the backyard with the kids! It's a quintessential summertime activity! We recently one-upped our traditional bubble blowing thanks to a brilliant idea from my mom (Hi, mom!!) by creating these super simple DIY upcycled bubble blowers for kids.

Make DIY upcycled bubble blowers for kids by reusing the Bunch O Balloons water balloons adapters from And Next Comes L


How to Recycled Water Balloon Adapters into DIY Bubble Blowers for Kids

You will need only two things for to make these DIY upcycled bubble blowers:

After enjoying our first water balloon fight using the Bunch O Balloons pack, I wondered what I could do with the leftover adapters. It seemed like such a waste to just throw them out. Plus, at this rate, I will collect so many of them by the time summer officially arrives. So my mom suggested trying to turn them into bubble blowers...and they totally work!

Remove any broken balloons attached to the end of the adapters, if applicable. If your pack came with the nozzle looking hose adapter, then you can screw it on, but not all of our packs have come with this adapter. Don't worry, the bubble blowers work perfectly fine without (as you will see in my video at the bottom of this post).

Make DIY upcycled bubble blowers for kids by reusing the Bunch O Balloons water balloons adapters from And Next Comes L

Simple dip the ends into the bubble solution and blow!

Blowing bubbles and making bubble snakes using DIY upcycled bubble blowers from And Next Comes L

Blowing bubbles and making bubble snakes using DIY upcycled bubble blowers from And Next Comes L

Depending on where you place your fingers on the adapters, you can either blow billions of teeny tiny bubbles, like in the above photos, or you can make bubble snakes. Just blow slowly or hold your fingers closer to the ends of the adapters near the bubbles. My boys loved trying to catch the bubble snakes!

Blowing bubbles and making bubble snakes using DIY upcycled bubble blowers from And Next Comes L

Blowing bubbles and making bubble snakes using DIY upcycled bubble blowers from And Next Comes L

Blowing bubbles and making bubble snakes using DIY upcycled bubble blowers from And Next Comes L

Want to see the DIY bubble blowers in action?

I demonstrated this idea in a Facebook live video, which you can see below. It's super short, but you can see how awesome these bubbles blowers work!


Awesome way to reuse Bunch O Balloons adapters
Awesome way to reuse Bunch O Balloons adapters (affiliate link for product used in the video: http://amzn.to/1rwAKDD)
Posted by And Next Comes L on Thursday, May 5, 2016

Other Awesome Spring & Summer Activities You'll Love 


Continue reading "DIY Upcycled Bubble Blowers"

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

31 May Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}

Free spring activity calendar for kids. Keep the kids busy all May long with these awesome activities and crafts for kids!

I love May for many reasons. Lots of sunshine, my birthday, Mother's Day...so many happy things to celebrate!

This free activity calendar for kids is the perfect way to plan Mother's Day crafts and spring themed activities with the kids. It includes ideas for learning about bugs, creating with chalk, learning about flowers, getting creative, strengthening fine motor skills, and more!

May activities & crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of spring activities and crafts as well as Mother's Day gifts from And Next Comes L

This activity calendar includes lots of spring crafts and activities, but also lots of homemade gift ideas for celebrating Mother's Day! Here's what you'll find on this free May activity calendar for kids:

  1. Handprint Suncatcher Craft
  2. DIY Clay Bowls from Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tail
  3. Handprint Flowers Craft from Stay at Home Educator
  4. Washi Tape Flower Pot
  5. Mother's Day Necklace from Play to Learn Preschool
  6. Fingerprint Flower Pot for Mother's Day from Fun-A-Day!
  7. Mother's Day Mixed Media Bouquet Art from Fun-A-Day!
  8. DIY Photo Mother's Day Card from Lalymom
  9. Mosaic Yarn Vase from Crayon Box Chronicles
  10. Fairy Door Craft from Fireflies & Mudpies
  11. Easy Fine Motor Activities Using Fresh Flowers from Lalymom
  12. Fingerprint Bugs from Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tail
  13. Cupcake Liner Flower Garden from Still Playing School
  14. Outdoor Rainbow Weaving from Where Imagination Grows
  15. Ladybug Stones from Fireflies & Mudpies
  16. Easy Butterfly Magnet Maze from Lalymom
  17. Tissue Paper Flower Art Mosaic Collages from Where Imagination Grows
  18. Clanking Can Wind Chimes from Stay at Home Educator
  19. Alphabet Learning with Chalk & Rocks
  20. Homemade Flower Parts Flip Book from Mamas Like Me
  21. Tie Dye Butterfly Craft from Crayon Box Chronicles
  22. Pasta Birds' Nests from Still Playing School
  23. Coloring a Chalk Rainbow
  24. Butterfly Alphabet Puzzles from Preschool Inspirations
  25. Flower Science Experiment from Happily Ever Mom
  26. Flower Shop Dramatic Play from Play to Learn Preschool
  27. Pink Lemonade Play Dough from Fireflies & Mudpies
  28. Ladybug Facts from Preschool Inspirations
  29. Rainbow Blocks Mirror Play from Where Imagination Grows
  30. Fine Motor Skills Bug Sensory Bin from Mamas Like Me
  31. Ribbon Weaving Art from Fun-A-Day!
These crafts and activities can be found on this free activity calendar for kids. Download your copy below and keep it handy on your phone or computer. Then every morning, simply open the calendar, find the current date, and click on the corresponding photo. You will be taken to the activity's or craft's instructions. No need to plan activities for your kids as this calendar has it all: math, science, crafts, fine motor activities, and more! To download the calendar, either click on the image below or click the link below the image.

Free downloadable activity calendar for kids for the month of May from And Next Comes L

>> CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE


May activities & crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of spring activities and crafts as well as Mother's Day gifts from And Next Comes L
Continue reading "31 May Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}"

Monday, March 28, 2016

30 April Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}

Free spring activity calendar for kids. Keep the kids busy all April long with these awesome activities and crafts for kids!

Do you struggle to plan activities and crafts for your kids every day? Well, no worries! This free activity calendar for kids is the perfect way to just sit back and enjoy some hands on play with your kids. I've already done all the work and planning for you!

This April activity calendar includes lots of spring crafts, math games, and sensory bins. There's also lots of Earth Day activities and recycled crafts included on this calendar. Definitely no shortage of ideas to keep your kids entertained all April long!

April activities and crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of spring and Earth Day crafts and activities from And Next Comes L

This activity calendar includes lots of spring crafts and activities, but also lots of ideas for celebrating Earth Day! Here's what you'll find on this free April activity calendar for kids:

  1. Cherry Blossoms Fine Motor Patterns from Sugar Aunts
  2. Coffee Filter Flower Science & Art from Fun-A-Day!
  3. Light Table Flower Counting from Where Imagination Grows
  4. Spring Water Sensory Play from Sugar Aunts
  5. Cheerio Worms from Mamas Like Me
  6. Spring Mirror Drawings Invitation to Play
  7. Spring Crafts for Preschool from Lalymom
  8. Plant the Flowers Math Game from Fun-A-Day!
  9. Melting Insect Sensory Painting from Crayon Box Chronicles
  10. Painted Wooden Eggs from Fireflies & Mudpies
  11. DIY Nature Suncatchers from Where Imagination Grows
  12. Colored Hay Spring Sensory Bin from Crayon Box Chronicles
  13. Sticky Flowers on the Light Table from Happily Ever Mom
  14. Toilet Roll Ladybug Craft from Mamas Like Me
  15. Bug Buddies Pouch Cap Finger Puppets from Lalymom
  16. Recycled Paper Seed Cards from Fireflies & Mudpies
  17. Robot Juice Carton Bird Feeder Craft from Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tail
  18. Contact Paper Earth Craft from House of Burke
  19. Mess Free Earth Painting from Still Playing School
  20. Earth Day Words Sensory Bin from Fun-A-Day!
  21. Melted Crayon Earth Craft from Still Playing School
  22. Simple Earth Inspired Sensory Bin
  23. Sticky Window Flower Counting from Where Imagination Grows
  24. Free Printable I Spy Spring Flowers Game
  25. Spring Suncatchers from Happily Ever Mom
  26. 3 Spring Busy Bag Ideas from Lalymom
  27. Bird's Nest Cookies from Fireflies & Mudpies
  28. Butterfly Color & Number Gross Motor Games from Frogs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tail
  29. Preschool Number Flower Garden from Still Playing School
  30. Spring Soap Foam Color Mixing Sensory Bin from House of Burke
These crafts and activities can be found on this free activity calendar for kids. Download your copy below and keep it handy on your phone or computer. Then every morning, simply open the calendar, find the current date, and click on the corresponding photo. You will be taken to the activity's or craft's instructions. No need to plan activities for your kids as this calendar has it all: math, science, crafts, fine motor activities, and more! To download the calendar, either click on the image below or click the link below the image.

Free downloadable activity calendar for kids for the month of April from And Next Comes L

>> CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE


April activities and crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of spring and Earth Day crafts and activities from And Next Comes L
Continue reading "30 April Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}"

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Spring Flowers I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}

This free printable Spring flowers I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

It may officially be Spring here, but there's still plenty of snow leftover from the past two weeks. 

However, I'm very much looking forward to seeing some spring flowers blooming soon. The bright colors will be a welcome sight. 

So this free printable Spring flowers I spy game will have to fill that need for colorful blooms in the meantime. It features lots of different colored flowers, shapes, and types.

Speaking of Spring, why not pair this I spy game with this free Spring word scramble game? Or try this flowers sensory bin or easy tulip craft.

But back to that Spring themed I spy game...

Free printable Spring flowers themed I spy game for kids

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this Spring flowers themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Spring Flowers I Spy Game

This Spring flowers I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Printable I spy games for kids

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Free printable Spring flowers themed I spy game for kids

Continue reading "Spring Flowers I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}"

Sunday, February 28, 2016

31 March Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}

Free spring activity calendar for kids. Keep the kids busy all March long with these awesome activities and crafts for kids!

This March themed free activity calendar for kids is such a perfect way to get the kids excited for spring.

From rainbows and bunnies to shamrocks and Dr. Seuss, there's something for everyone on this list of activities for kids. There's literacy activities, fine motor activities, sensory activities, crafts, math and science ideas, and more! Lots of great ways to keep the kids learning and playing all month long!

March activities and crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of St. Patrick's Day and Easter crafts and activities from And Next Comes L

This activity calendar is filled with ideas to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, and spring time! Here's what you'll find on this free March activity calendar for kids:

  1. 3 Dr. Seuss Crafts Inspired by The Lorax from Lalymom
  2. Easy Horton Hears a Who Mask from Mamas Like Me
  3. Rainbow Bead Bracelets from Sugar Aunts
  4. Gold Coin Treasure Hunt from Still Playing School
  5. Stained Glass Rainbow Collage from Where Imagination Grows
  6. Rainbow Fine Motor Play from Sugar Aunts
  7. Rainbow Shaving Cream Gold Coin Dig from House of Burke
  8. Rainbow Names Color Sorting from Mamas Like Me
  9. Grow a Crystal Rainbow Science Experiment from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tail
  10. Easy Memory Matching Game with Gold Coins from Crayon Box Chronicles
  11. Painting Rainbows with Combs from House of Burke
  12. Pot of Gold Inspired Fine Motor Sensory Play
  13. Shamrock Foam Dough from Crayon Box Chronicles
  14. Leprechaun Handprint Art from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tail
  15. Scrunchy Shamrock Art from Fireflies & Mudpies
  16. St. Patrick's Day Math Tray
  17. Shamrock Rainbow Necklaces from Mamas Like Me
  18. Rainbow Name Puzzles from Still Playing School
  19. Easter Egg Sensory Bottles from House of Burke
  20. Easter Bunnie Cuties Small World & Oral Motor Game from Sugar Aunts
  21. Confetti Eggs from Still Playing School
  22. Easter Silhouette Portraits from Fireflies & Mudpies
  23. Easter Egg Rice Art from Where Imagination Grows
  24. Marbleized Easter Eggs from Where Imagination Grows
  25. Chevron Prewriting Easter Egg Craft from Still Playing School
  26. Raspberry Foam Dough Bunnies from Crayon Box Chronicles
  27. 8 Ways to Play with Wobbly Easter Eggs
  28. Peeps Puppets from Lalymom
  29. Rainbow Rockets Science from Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tail
  30. Rainbow Suncatchers from Fireflies & Mudpies
  31. Bow Tie Pasta Butterfly Craft from Where Imagination Grows
These crafts and activities can be found on this free activity calendar for kids. Download your copy below and keep it handy on your phone or computer. Then every morning, simply open the calendar, find the current date, and click on the corresponding photo. You will be taken to the activity's or craft's instructions. No need to plan activities for your kids as this calendar has it all: math, science, crafts, fine motor activities, and more! To download the calendar, either click on the image below or click the link below the image.

Free downloadable activity calendar for kids for the month of March from And Next Comes L

>> CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE


March activities and crafts for kids with free downloadable activity calendar - includes lots of St. Patrick's Day and Easter crafts and activities from And Next Comes L
Continue reading "31 March Activities for Kids {Free Activity Calendar}"

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Flower Mandalas Light Table Activity for Kids

Create flower mandalas with this beautiful light table activity for kids. It's a great activity for toddlers and preschoolers. There's also a free flower mandala printable included.

We haven't been playing with our light table as often as we used to, especially as the weather warms up. But, one rainy day, we were able to sneak in some simple flower themed light table play and it was tons of fun! 

For this activity, the boys created some colorful flower mandalas on the light table. That's probably pretty obvious by now though, right? Anyway, I think they look really cool on the light table and, more importantly, the kids enjoyed the activity.

If you're wanting to try this light table activity too, then you're in luck. I've included some free printable flower templates below. Just print and play.

Flower mandalas light table activity for kids


Flower Mandalas Light Table Activity: What You'll Need

For this flower mandalas activity, we used:

  • A light table, light box, or even an overhead projector would be fun
  • Free printable template of simple flower mandalas (you can download it below)
I printed the flower templates on normal printer paper. However, vellum or printable transparencies (if you have them on hand!) would be amazing as well since they would let even more light through. But plain paper works great too as you can see. Anyway, I set out the materials for this light table activity like so:

Colorful glass stones and flower mandala printable on a light table

Your Kids Will Love Creating Flower Mandalas on the Light Table!

Five year old J went straight for the yellow stones and declared that he was going to make a sunflower. He started decorating the flower pedals with the yellow stones. Unfortunately, he eventually ran out of yellow stones and ended up with the most colorful sunflower ever instead!

Simple light table activity for kids using glass gems and a free flower mandala printable

Creating flower mandalas on the light table

Creating flower mandalas on the light table

Close up of kid made flower mandalas on the light table

Close up of kid made flower mandalas on the light table

K ended up making a very Christmas colored flower, decorating his flower petals in green and red. To be honest, I was surprised by how much he loved this simple light table activity.

Preschool child placing glass stones on a flower mandala on the light table

Green and red flower mandala on the light table

Green, red, and blue flower mandala on the light table

What kind of flowers do you think your kids will create with this simple little light table flower project? 

Download the Free Flower Mandala Printable

This printable includes two different flower templates to decorate. You can print them on regular printer paper or try printing them on something translucent or transparent, if you'd prefer. You could also laminate for durability.

To get your copy of the free printable flower mandalas, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

This flower mandalas activity was part of the Light & Reflections Series. The theme was flowers. Here are the other posts in this series from my friends. I think you're going to love these ideas too!

Sticky Window Flower Activity from Still Playing School

Mosaic Flower Art Window Collage from Where Imagination Grows

Sticky Flowers on the Light Table from Happily Ever Mom

Flower mandalas light table activity for kids
Continue reading "Flower Mandalas Light Table Activity for Kids"

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Alphabet Sponge Sensory Play for Kids

A super fun water and sponge sensory play activity for toddlers and preschoolers using alphabet sponges. Stamping the letter sponges makes for great fine motor skills practice too!

My boys love playing with water. It doesn't matter what season it is outdoors either. If water is involved, then my boys are all over it (see this math water sensory bin, this fine motor cup play, or this colorful magnet and water sensory bin, for example). 

So when I found some mini alphabet sponges at the dollar store, I was beyond excited! I knew that my boys would love them for bath time or for some water sensory play. But this activity here is a little bit of outdoor play.

I love how colorful and inviting this alphabet sponge sensory play is. I mean look at all those tiny hands crammed into the photo below. Should of used a bigger container, evidently.

Sponge sensory play with letter sponges


Alphabet Sponge Sensory Play: What You'll Need

Here's what you'll need to get ready for a little fun summer sponge play:

  • Letter sponges - I was super pumped when I found these colourful dollar store sponges that were letters. I mean how perfect are they for hyperlexic kids? You could also write letters on regular sponges instead.
  • A bucket filled with water - You'll need wet sponges for this activity after all.
Fill a container or sensory bin with water and add your alphabet sponges. This activity is best on a hot summer day. 

FYI, you could totally use these alphabet sponges in a pool or maybe even for some sensory bathtub play. Lots of other fun ways to play and keep cool.

Colorful alphabet sponges in a sensory bin for kids

Your Toddlers & Preschoolers Will Love this Simple Sponge Play!

Now you could simply leave the sponges in the water and just keep it as a simple sensory bin activity. Or you could also stamp the letter sponges onto wood decks, sidewalks, or even your driveway. Which is what we did. 

Child stamping with alphabet sponges and water

Remember how I said this activity is best for a hot summer day? Here's why. When you stamp the alphabet sponges on a hot surface, you leave letter prints behind. Basically, painting with water.

Stamping with letter sponges and water

You could encourage your kids to name the letters as they stamp them. You could also spell sight words and have them squish down on each letter as they spell the sight word out loud. Or you could just let them have at 'er and just do whatever.

My youngest K preferred to squish, smash, and squeeze the alphabet sponges, but not without naming the letters first. A, squish! B, squish! And so on.

Child squishing letter sponges as part of a sensory play activity

Child squeezing water out of alphabet sponges as part of a sensory play activity

J, my oldest, started off stamping. Eventually, though, he switched to drawing letters with the sponges instead. Drawing letters with alphabet sponges? Such a hyperlexic thing to do when you think about it.

Child writing with water on a wooden deck

Child writing with water on a wooden deck using alphabet sponges

Child writing with water on a wooden deck using letter sponges

My kids loved this alphabet sponge sensory play activity. It was such a perfect way to beat the heat on this ridiculously hot day.

Other Sensory Play Activities You'll Love




A fun sponge sensory play activity for toddlers and preschoolers using colorful letter sponges
Continue reading "Alphabet Sponge Sensory Play for Kids"

Thursday, July 03, 2014

Giant Shaving Cream Rainbow Sensory Play

Looking for rainbow activities? Well, your kids are going to love this giant shaving cream rainbow! It's a fun outdoor messy sensory play activity.

Embracing messy sensory play is challenging for me. To be honest, it's the clean up that scares me off. But I have noticed how much my boys love to dig in and get messy. So I'm trying to push myself outside of my comfort zone a bit more by setting up more messy sensory play activities for them. 

This giant shaving cream rainbow is definitely one of those times I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone. 

I mean this activity ends up being a full body sensory experience for my kids. They literally got covered in shaving cream by the end of it all.

By the way, this was also the first time we've used shaving cream for sensory play before. Cue the gasps. What kind of sensory blogger am I if I've never used shaving cream for sensory play before? It's shocking. I know.

Anyway, despite my hesitations to let things get messy, this idea was a fun activity for my boys. It was 100% worth the effort to step outside of my comfort zone and set this up for them.

Shaving cream rainbow messy sensory play activity for kids


Giant Shaving Cream Rainbow Sensory Play: What You'll Need

If you're ready to try some full-body sensory play and create your own giant shaving cream rainbow, here's what you'll need:

  • 7 cans of shaving cream - I bought mine at the dollar store so it cost me less than $10. You'll use 6 for the rainbow shape and 1 for the clouds.
  • Bowls and spoons - To mix up the rainbow assortment of shaving cream you'll need
  • Tarp (preferably blue like the sky) - The tarp will be the canvas for your rainbow and to help contain the sensory play
I then dyed the shaving cream using food coloring and/or liquid watercolors. I made red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. I skipped indigo. You'll need one can of shaving cream per color, leaving one to make the clouds. 

Simply mix one full can of shaving cream with some coloring in a bowl. I personally found that the shaving cream that was colored using the liquid watercolors was much more vibrant than when dyed with food coloring, but use whatever you prefer.

Once you have all of your colors mixed up, arrange the colored shaving cream into a rainbow shape - and in rainbow order - on the tarp. Then use the remaining can of shaving cream to make clouds on either end.

Giant shaving cream rainbow sensory activity for kids

Close up of colored shaving cream sensory play

Close up of colored shaving cream sensory play

After spending twenty minutes with help from my youngest son K, the entire rainbow was colored and set up on a tarp in our backyard. Then, unfortunately, my oldest J complained about not feeling well. He ended up with a bit of a stomach bug less than an hour later. So we had to press pause on this sensory activity. At least for that day. 

Get Messy with this Shaving Foam Sensory Play Rainbow!

We ended up leaving the shaving cream rainbow out in the sun for over 24 hours. And thankfully, J was feeling much better the next day. I'm glad that it also didn't rain overnight or anything. Otherwise our poor rainbow would have washed away. While the colors of the shaving cream intensified overnight, it did end up looking a bit weird in terms of texture.

Shaving cream rainbow close up

Despite it's now weird appearance, the kids still thought it was delightful to play with. And, by play, I mean they fully immersed themselves in this shaving cream sensory play. They started off rubbing it all over their bellies. Then their arms. Then their legs...

Kid rubbing colored shaving cream on their body

Kid covered in shaving cream playing outdoors

Child covered in colored shaving cream

And it was lovely to see all the colors swirl together into a glossy, sparkly mixture. Goodbye, shaving cream clouds. And goodbye, shaving cream rainbow. Now it's time to say hello to some beautiful shaving cream art for the entire body!

Kid playing in colored shaving cream

Close up of colored shaving cream sensory play

The fun did not stop there however.  Oh goodness did it not. Things were about to get reeeeally messy with this shaving foam sensory play activity. 

See, in order to keep the tarp from flipping over from the wind overnight, I had set some of our outdoor toys on the edge of the tarp. In one corner was our climber and slide. A slide that would soon be covered in shaving cream...do you see where I'm going with this yet?

Soon our shaving cream rainbow became a messy, slippery slide of goodness. And boy, did the boys ever have fun with this part! The smiles and laughter could no longer be contained. It was validating for me to see their happiness, especially since messy play is so not my thing. But these smiles are just so worth embracing the mess, don't you think?

Preschool kid covered in shaving cream going down a small slide

Preschool kid covered in shaving cream going down a small slide

This shaving cream rainbow was definitely outside my comfort zone, but my kids absolutely loved it. And since we were already outside, clean up was a breeze! I simply hosed them off right in the backyard.

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