Using Corn Kernels for Sensory Play

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.