What are the benefits of slimy play?
There is something about that slimy texture between your fingers that is so engaging and calming. No matter how messy it is, the hypnotic feeling of slime squeezing through your fingers keeps you coming back for more!
Slime is a form of sensory play that invites all of the five senses to join in. When children engage in sensory play, they are focused, switching off the mind and fully present in the moment whilst developing fine motor skills.
The process for these taste-safe slimes is quite simple and can be mostly done alongside children. Practising mathematical concepts as they measure out ingredients.
Psyllium Slime
Ingredients
- 1Lt water
- 2Tbsp psyllium husk
- Food colouring or natural colouring (optional)
- Glitter and/ or nature confetti (optional)
Instructions
- Add water, psyllium husk and colouring (optional) to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mix to a boil.
- Keep stirring until it starts to thicken. Silicone spatulas are great for mixing as the slime doesn’t stick to it, whilst making sure it doesn’t stick to the pot.
- Reduce the heat and keep stirring until it comes away from the sides when mixing.
- Carefully pour into a container and allow to fully cool before playing. The centre will be very hot for a while but can be put in the fridge to speed up the process.
Add less water to make it even thicker. Psyllium Husk can be found in most supermarkets in the health food section.
@wee_wonderers uses psyllium slime as an invitation to play, inspired by “The Slimy Book”, with some slimy creatures.
Jelly Slime
Ingredients
- 2Tbsp Gelatin
- 2C Water
- Food colouring or natural colouring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients and cover with lid, leaving it to set in the fridge overnight
Chia Seed Slime
Ingredients
- ¼C White Chia Seeds
- 1¾C Water
- Food colouring or natural colouring (optional)
Instructions
- Add chia seeds and food colouring to a bowl
- Pour in the water
- Stir until well mixed
- Cover with lid and place in the fridge to let it sit overnight
Leave out the cornflour for a less slimy sensory experience.
Warning: this activity is messy, and the chia seeds stick to everything.
Sensory slime exploring an ocean of possibilities using both chai and jelly slime. Inspired by @little_old_life.
Inspiration for play
Engage your child by incorporating props with your slimy invitations to play - jugs, spoons, whisks, bowls of various sizes, nature objects, and favourite toys like dinosaurs or animals are all possible options.
For children that are a little anxious when it comes to messy play, pair with a tub of water to allow children to rinse off their hands as they play.
Cinnamon Psyllium Slime paired with playdough, coloured rice and bath salts, homemade eggshell glitter, natural objects, and many different shaped vessels. There was an abundance of colour and texture to get the creativity flowing.