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Using Corn Kernels for Sensory Play

Gina

Corn kernels are an amazing sensory base. They're soft, they make a unique sound & they can be used in so many different ways!


















Did you know that you can dye corn kernels? It is a bit of a labor of love BUT once you do it, they will last years!


Here are the steps:


Materials:

  • Glass jars or bowls (I use one for each color I want)

  • Corn Kernels

  • Food coloring

  • White vinegar

  • Strainer

  • Baking dish, lined with paper towels

  • Sensory tray or bowl

  • Scoops, trinkets, etc

















Step 1:

  • Start by filling your jars or bowls with dry corn kernels. I didn't measure this, I just split up what I had equally across the jars! I wanted to do red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple so I used six jars.

















Step 2:

Add in 5-10 drops of food coloring to each jar. The more you add, the more vibrant your colors will be! I used a 3-pack of food coloring & mixed the colors.


Red.

Red + yellow = orange.

Yellow.

Yellow + Blue = Green.

Green.

Blue + Red = Purple.

















Step 3:

  • Fill the jars or bowls with white vinegar. I added enough to completely cover the kernels.

  • Next, add a lid & shake well OR use a spoon & stir very well. You want to make sure the food coloring is mixed into the vinegar & that all of the kernels are covered.

  • Let them soak for a few hours; I actually left them in the mixture overnight!

























Step 4:

  • Once your kernels have sat in their vinegar & food coloring bath, its time to rinse & dry.

  • Place a strainer in the sink & dump the jar in. Rinse well.

  • Pour onto a paper-towel lined baking sheet.

  • REPEAT with all of the jars.


















Step 5:

  • Once they have completely dried, they are ready to play!

  • Put them in a sensory bin or tray with your favorite scoops, bowls & trinkets.


How to play with them:

  • Dump them, pour them & scoop them!

  • Sort them by color.

  • Count them.

  • Stomp pretend animals through them.

  • Drive your mini cars through them.

  • Add plastic letters or numbers & practice your phonics skills.

Storage:

  • Store them in an airtight container when you are done & they will last for years!

Warning:

  • Small items can be a choking hazard. Always monitor young children during sensory play. You get to decide what is safe & manageable in your home.

Comments


Hi, I'm Gina!

I have over 20 years experience in education, and I am a sensory play advocate and play enthusiast.

I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education and a CAGS in Early Childhood. I am also a mom to four sweet kids!

My mission is to teach you how to incorporate simple, impactful, hands-on activities into your day.

I share sensory experiences, learning opportunities and ways to keep your kids engaged and learning through PLAY.

 

Join us, as together, we provide our children and students with a play-filled life.

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Disclaimer

You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home, classroom or therapy space.  Always monitor children for safety.

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