Hints at Playtime

1.  Bubble blowing is great fun!

              Getting bubble mix in the eyes is not! No More Tears baby shampoo is the best bubble blowing mix as it is gentle on skin and eyes!

               Mix  50/ 50 with water.

      2.    Washable Crayons are worth their weight in gold! The Crayola ones DO wash off of walls, fabric, tiles etc!

      3.    Home made fingerpaint recipe: 1 cup water, 1/3  cup corflour, food colouring. A "splash" of baby shampoo.

                                                                      Dissolve cornflour by mixing with a little cold water. Put the cup of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.

                                                                     Slowly add the cornflour paste, stirring constantly. Boil until it is thick and clear and has a smooth consitency

                                                                     Add the colouring and the baby shampoo. ( makes for easier cleaning!) Let cool.

                                                                     Can be used on paper. My daughter likes body painting with it! We also have a sheet of clear plastic ( the

                                                                      sort you can buy by the metre at fabric stores) that I lay on the ground to fingerpaint on.

       4. Shaving Cream makes geat finger paint! ( Much to Dad's dismay!)  Again the plastic is a good option. or tape down a black garbag to a

                                            small table - when finished, just remove and toss!

       5.   Playdough recipe: 4 cups plain flour, 1 cup salt, a small packet cream of tartar, 1 tbsp oil, 4 cups water, food colouring.

                                         In a saucepan, mix flour,salt,and cream of tartar. Add oil and water, stirring.Cook slowly until mixture thickens, stirring

                                        continuously. Col and store in an airtight conatiner. It wshould last up to three months, especially if stored in the fridge.

        6. Make some music! Use small plastic drink bottles and put some rice in them - maracas. Make sure to do the lid up tightly or use a few

                                                 drops of super glue around rim before screwing on lid.

                                                 Empty tins that have a push in lid ( like milo tins) are great  shakers with other metal lids in them( ie; baby food lids)

                                                 Empty icecream containers and chopsticks or wooden spoons make drums. If your really brave, pots and pans are

                                                 good too! Put on some music and play to the beat!

        7. Save your junk!

• Coloured wrapping paper, alfoil, old cards, etc... Make great collage materials. Draw a shape, the outline of the first letter of their name , a simple picture, etc...and help them tear and glue the paper on.
• Foam trays are great for painting, gluing, sorting etc...
• The cylinders from glad wrap, alfoil , post packs etc make great telescopes, binoculars,towers,clapsticks, didgeridoos, etc..
• Old, clean toothbrushes make a great paintbrush or splatter painting brush when you run your fingers along the bristles.
• Cardboard boxes are great for making houses,building blocks,cars, spaceships, castles.... whatever!
• Eggcartons make great seed planters, caterpillars, insect bodies, etc.. Add paint, wings, draw eyes, chenille sticks ( aka pipe cleaners)
• The scoops from washing powder are great for water and sand play.

Have fun and let your imagination run free!