Sensory Activities: Edible Straw Painting for Toddlers ~ Yum!

Edible Painting with Straws is Fun, Sensory Activity for Toddlers

Toddlers love to play with straws. One of the first milestones is learning to drink out of a straw. Blowing through a straw if also a fun, sensory experience for toddlers. This activity uses both. It is fun to watch them practice. Grab a cottonball to teach them to blow through the straw and then mix up some edible paint to make these cool, colorful blot pictures.

Our paint isn't just edible; it is yummy too!

Neon food color, maple syrup, milk, and cornstarch. Mix in three equal parts syrup, milk, and starch. Add one or two drops of color.

Little ones learn to blow thru the straw vs. sucking ~ not as easy as it seems.

It makes great finger-paint too.

Recommended Reading:

Marshmallow Sensory Game for Toddlers

Crafty Kids: Fun Projects for You and Your Toddler

Recycled Scrap Paper Craft Rainbow Fish Theme for Preschool

Recycled Rainbow Fish Paper Craft and Companion Story Ideas

If you are teaching children how to care for fish, this Rainbow Fish recycled paper craft is an easy, fun aquarium activity to make.

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center in Florida

The story: Rainbow Fish is different and the other fish aren't very nice until they get to know him in all his glittery glory. Did you know he wrote a second story, 'Rainbow Fish to the Rescue'?  We have some fun, preschool companion book activities for both here. Rainbow Fish is the perfect theme for preschool curriculum.

Marcus Fister's Rainbow Fish. Fun theme for preschool.

Scrap Paper Rainbow Fish Craft for preschool.

We made this fish from our scrap paper box. You can photocopy a picture of Rainbow Fish to use as a pattern. Tip: Use Wrapping Paper scraps to make a sparkly Rainbow Fish Craft.

Recommended Reading:

Aquarium Craft Activities

Fishing Activity

Rainbow Fish to the Rescue!

Paint with Spaghetti

Join the Kid's Co-op Linky Party

ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)

A Day In Kokomo at the Glass Factory

Things to do In Indiana: Kokomo,  A One Tank Trip

We visited the Indiana Glass Factory in Kokomo, Indiana. If you're looking for things to do in Indiana, this is a great idea for a field trip or a one tank trip in Indiana. Homeschoolers will enjoy learning a new skill for a possible future trade or art project.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Glass Factory.

Kokomo Opalescent Glass Main Office.

Beehive where they melt the glass.

Table where they roll glass to make panes.

Area where they roll and blow glass.

Sample of their panes of glass.

We got a guided tour of the glass factory. The kids saw it featured on a local news channel over Christmas break and really wanted to go. We all learned many things and we were all surprised to find out where the glass has been placed. One place is the Cinderella Castle at Disney. Apparently, the Kokomo Glass Factory produced all of the glass in the castle. 

Stained Glass at Cinderella's Castle in Disney World. 

The Kokomo Glass Factory has a beautiful shop where you can purchase hand blown hand blown glass items. Visit KOG.COM to see the shop (they ship) and if you live in the Indiana area, stop by and take  the tour. The Indiana Glass Factory makes a great family outing or field trip idea. 

Currently it runs Tues-Fri at 10 am and lasts about an hour. They even offer a class to make glass beads and accents. They also sell glass panes of different sizes and thicknesses if you need some for your home or craft projects.

This is truly a hidden jewel in Indiana.  We never knew about the glass factory until we saw it on the news. The kids loved the tour (which was a surprise) and apparently it was the highlight of everything we had planned over break. 


~ Angie


Recommended:

Things to do in Indiana

Books about Hand Blown Glass

More Posts by Angie

Thing to do in Kokomo

Get a Glass Craft for Kids

Wordless Wednesday: Help, I've Fallen Crazy Kids

How many can you wear at once?

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Pin it! Online Scavenger Hunt 4/9/2012

To leave a comment to enter the contest scroll down to the bottom of the blog post.  In the shaded bar divider you will find the words, 'Tell us your two cents' click here and leave your two cents to enter :-)

This week's winner is  ~ MistyBlue
Congrats! Please send address info to thehollyjollyone@yahoo.com


Remember to Win it you must leave a comment on this blog post after completion of the hunt. We have several pinners but less than 10 are entered in the drawing each week!!!  


Leave a comment on Pinterest to be added as a pinner.

Most pinned (166 repins) pinned by Taryn Scruggs from the blog Crate Paper Blog

My favorite pin pinned  by Barbi McCurry (12 repins) from the blog Lucy Designs.  This was pinned a few times but Barbi was first to pin it.

This week's keyword search topics are:


Gardening with Kids
Kid Science ~ Borax
Things to do with Pom Poms
Recycled Paper Bags

Kid Sensory Science: Play Based Learning How to Garden with Kids with Egg Cartons: Investigating_Detective_Hands-On Messy Play

Investigating Detectives: Kid Sensory Science and Gardening with Egg Cartons

Sensory Play is a big buzz word. Back in the day, all my play time was sensory play. I'd run around outside, get filthy making mud pies and sand ice cream, dash through the sprinkler, plop in the bath, (where I swirled Dad's shaving cream into Mom's shampoo painting Picasso's all around the tub) and head to bed one truly happy camper. Make a sensory science egg carton garden with your kids!

Gardening: The original Sensory Play Based Learning.

Today, lots of people don't like to let their kids get messy or to be seen in dirty clothes, the horror!

Start your seeds in egg cartons in doors in early spring.

I sweep the kitchen and bathroom floor several times a week, but you'd never know it. Anytime you stop by for a visit you'll find dried mud, bits of dandelions, grains of sand, tiny twigs, and a few dead bugs. And, at least two kids in dirty clothes. I often joke, I'm no Martha Stewart, but I'm no June Cleaver either. Ahem... If I had to pick a t.v. personality's home to compare ours too... I fear we resemble Roseanne the most, just not so crass.

Everyday is Sensory Play day! Last week, Jake was covered in mud he found in a hole in the backyard. I plan to make some mud paint for my next sensory post.

Amanda loves to investigate with her magnifying glass, ziploc baggies, and spoons from the kitchen drawer.

When our seedlings come up, we'll plant them in this little garden box we built together last year. We have healthy strawberry plants already!

Keep bunnies out of your garden with raised garden boxes.

Science projects cover the front porch, 'Please watch your step.' Our favorite toys are anything we can find growing in the yard.  

Bonus = lots of free toys!

A Whole lot of fun with the Tickle Me plant. 

By far, the best seed to plant with your kiddos!

If you want to follow our messy life, hop over to Kids Creative Chaos on Facebook and join the fun.

Recommended Reading:

Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening Together with Children

Planting a Rainbow

Moroccan Food Acorn Squash Fall Recipe

This Acorn Squash Recipe with Moroccan Spice give your taste buds a kick. 

Angie shares her favorite spicy recipe. Moroccan Food Rocks. After you use your squash for a fun, Fall Thanksgiving Craft, make this recipe in the kitchen with your kids 

Angie's Recipes at Kids Creative Chaos.

"I made this the other night; 
it has just the right mix of sweet and savory. It is delish!"

Moroccan Spiced Acorn Squash Recipe

2 medium acorn squash (I used 3)
11/2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp packed brown sugar
¾ tsp salt, divided
½ tsp black pepper
2/3 Cup uncooked wild rice blend
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp Moroccan Rub
1 1/3 Cup water
1/3 Cup Golden Raisins
1 Medium red apple such as fuji (I used Jonagold's)
1 can 15oz. Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas) Drained and rinsed
2/3 C. slivered almonds, toasted and divded
1/3 cup snipped fresh chives
Additional snipped chives (optional)

Preheat oven 450.  Cut squash in half crosswise.  Remove and throw away seeds.  Place squash on Medium sheet pan or Large Bar Pan.  Using basting brush, brush squash with ½ tbsp of oil; sprinkle with brown sugar, ½ tsp of salt and pepper.  Bake 32-38 min or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and put on cooling rack.

Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in 10in skillet over medium heat 1-3 min or until shimmering.  Add rice blend, onion and rub; cook and stir 1-2 min or until onion is tender.  Add water and raisins; cook covered, 12-15 min or until rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

Dice apple, zest lemon to measure 1 tsp.  Add apple, lemon zest, chickpeas, ½ cup almonds, chives and remaining ¼ tsp salt to skillet.  Cook covered, 1-2 min or until heated thru.  Spoon rice mixture evenly into squash halves.  Garnish with remaining 2 tbsp almonds and additional snipped chives, if desired.

Cook's Tip: To form flat base, trim ½ in off top and bottom of the squash.

Recommended Reading:

Kids travel journal: my trip to morocco*

Morocco Recipes* 

Bowling with Pro Bowlers: Osku Palmerma = Perfect way to start Spring Break

Angie's Corner

With  Pro Bowler Osku Palmermaa

Last Friday, my 9 yr old daughter, got to bowl in a tournament for a chance to win scholarship money with Pro Bowlers that were in town for a PBA tournament. She just got a new heavier ball. So, after school Thursday, I took the kids to the local bowling alley so my daughter could get the feel of her new ball.  My son got to bowl without bumpers to get ready for next fall.

Angie's kids with Pro Bowler Ryan Schafer

With  favorite Pro Bowler Dick Allen

For being nervous she started out great! She bowled a 156 but dropped in scores a bit as she bowled her next two games. In all, she got to bowl with 6 Pro Bowlers.

She quickly developed a crush on the 1st Pro Bowler and at the end left there in awe. The last Pro Bowler complimented her and as he tried to get her dad to meet someone about a camp, her coach (from youth league and who she bowled with) quickly stepped in to hear about it.

It was a great night for everyone; the Pro Bowlers had a great time with the kids, the kids got to meet and see Pro Bowlers. I was disappointed I didn't get to see my bowling crush, but I got to see a few bowlers I grew up watching. We will be doing this again next year if the opportunity presents itself. :)

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Pancakes Vegan Recipe

Ever wonder how to make Pumpkin Pie or how to make Pancakes from scratch? This vegan recipe from Angie does both!

Pumpkin pie pancakes these are breakfast this week. I got this vegan recipe from a friend- not sure where she found it, but when I saw it I knew I had to make these because they sounded so good.

                 How to Make Pumpkin Pie Pancakes Vegan Recipe.

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Pancakes

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 C flaxseed
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cin + spice blend or pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon
Mix together
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1 cup coconut milk or soy milk till consistency of pancake batter.

Mix wet, pour into dry, only mix till combined.

Toast chopped walnuts in your microwave, 1 min at a time until toasted in small microwave cooker.

Using large stainless steel scoop, scoop onto hot double burner griddle. Sprinkle w/toasted walnuts. Flip when bubbly.

Serve with vegan butter and pure maple syrup or try this vegan butter cream frosting.

Recommended Reading:

Kids Creative Chaos Cooks: Fun Holiday Games and Recipes

More Angie's Recipes

Pin it Online Scavenger Hunt

This week's winner is  ~ Barbi McCurry!
Congrats! Please send address info to thehollyjollyone@yahoo.com


Remember to Win it you must leave a comment on this blog post after completion of the hunt. We have several pinners but less than 10 are entered in the drawing each week!!!  


Leave a comment on Pinterest to be added as a pinner.

Most pinned (59 repins) pinned by Barbi McCurry from the blog Preschool Crafts for Kids

My favorite pin pinned by Taryn Scruggs (14 repins) from the blog Filth Wizardry   

This week's keyword search topics are:

Create with Jello

Things to do with pop-sicle sticks

Re-purpose crafts

Kid's Science- weights & measures

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Celebrate Earth Day Organically with these Activities: Grilled Chicken and Raspberry Salad Recipe

Raspberry and Grilled Chicken Recipe for Earth Day

This Earth Day, celebrate with organic and green friendly recipes. Let the kids help make dinner with this easy grilled chicken and raspberry salad recipe. Enjoy!

 Homeschool Science: Research an Endangered Species for Earth Day

Click Photo for Free Printable Recipe from Cascadian Farm.

Earth Day. What a fabulous day to celebrate life. This year, Cascadian Farm sent us an awesome gift pack to help us celebrate organically. The main thing I want to say is, YUM!

Earth Day: Celebrate with a Cooking Lesson for kids.

I love the honey granola cereal, chocolate chip granola bars, and the to die for raspberry fruit spread.

They sent us a picnic basket with water bottles and yummy recipes to try. We chose to make the Grilled Chicken and Raspberry Salad with Spa Smoothies and Spinach Manicotti. 

Marinate Chicken in Pomegranate Red Wine Vinegar
 and Raspberry Fruit Spread.

Earth Day Craft for Kids

Arrange on plate. Why, yes, that is a styro-foam plate. Not Earth friendly you say?  I use them, wash them, and re-use them for lots of craft projects. We try...

Spinach Stuffed Manicotti Recipe for Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!  Note the Earth Friendly Tickle Me Crown and Necklace.

This weekend, we moved into our new home on five, amazing acres (in which I have high hopes for self-sustainable farming) we'll have a picnic next to the pond with the awesome basket they sent.

How we celebrated Earth Day

Recommended Reading: 

I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (Little Green Books)*

Hip Moms Go Green: 
Very Berry Smoothie Recipe and Organic Garden Party  

For Such a Time as This: Earth Day Picnic  

In the Kitchen with Audrey: What's for lunch? 

Cascadian Farms and Snack Girl's:  Healthy Blueberry Muffins














ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.

*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)