July 21, 2018

Goop and Sparkly Gems

Goop and Sparkly Gems.

While the twins were busy Colour Sorting with Sparkly Gems I noticed just how sparkly they really were. I wanted to set up another experience for them using the gems outside so that the sun would make them even shinier. It was the perfect day, even though we’re in the middle of winter and it’s been raining on and off all week, the sun was actually brightly shining. We haven’t done any ‘messy’ play for quite awhile, so I thought why not give Goop and Sparkly Gems a go.

“I have an Idea”

As soon as the words left my mouth, the kids were at my feet. “Idea, idea” Norah repeated excitedly. They followed me around while I collected up the equipment that we needed.

A large plastic bowl (or any sort of container)
Corn flour (or tapioca flour)
A big spoon for mixing
Water
The sparkly gems

I didn’t bother with aprons because I’ve worked with goop so many times, I know that once it’s dry it just brushes off.

Ratios.

I thought about remaking the goop before writing this up for you, because I’m really not sure about the corn flour and water ratios. I have made it so many times, working in childcare, but even the first time I made it I wasn’t given any ratios. So I’m no remaking it now, but the next time I make it for the kids I’ll try and remember to measure out the flour and water and leave a note at the bottom of this post.

Start with dumping some corn flour into the bottom of the bowl and slowly add the water. It needs to feel sort of solid when you touch it, but turn runny when you lift it up and let it run through your fingers.

Fine Motor.

You don’t have to add anything to your goop. You could just leave it plain and give your children more of a sensory experience. This is great for younger ones. Also if they do happen to taste it (lets face it, most littlies will) it’s not going to hurt them. It wont taste nice, but it’s made from edible ingredients so they’ll be ok.

I set up the Goop and Sparkly Gems for the twins for a few reasons; I really wanted the gems outside to catch some sun and I know that when smaller items sink down into the goop it makes it a little trickier to pick them back up. Great for challenging fine motor skills.

So much Fun!

We spent a bug chunk of the morning outside playing with the Goop and Sparkly Gems. The twins dumped a lot of it on the bricks, but again I know it’s easy to clean up once it dry. They collected up the gems and put them back in again. We did a bit more with colour recognition too. In the end the warm winter sun ended up quite hot and we had to move over into the shade. Nothing like some vitamin D to lift your spirits after being stuck inside for a few days.

Once we had moved into the shade, Norah noticed the big pile of goop on the bricks from where we were originally sitting. “Muddy puddles” she said and proceeded to jump on top of it. We often watch Peppa Pig during physio. I must admit, the whole muddy puddles thing definitely makes me anxious, but I’m more than happy for her to play in this ‘cleaner’ version of a muddy puddle haha.

Follow on: This activity was such a success with the twins. They were so interested in the way the sun light caught the gems and made them sparkle. I decided to make a light table so that they could see what the gems looked like when they were lit up from underneath. Check out the instructions here and make one yourself.