Preschool Activities From the Kitchen

There is a universal problem among babysitters, stay at home parents and professional child care providers. The problem is the dreaded cry of the young child, calling out: "I'm bored!!!" Imagine the added horror of being housebound due to weather, or even worse, illness. You've been blessed with a crabby, antsy, cabin fever afflicted child. Is there a possible cure? Can sanity be restored? Of course it can! Now, sit down, take a deep breath and stop pulling your hair out!

I have prepared five simple, messy, child pleasing activities. These are crafts that require little more items then what you already are likely to have in your kitchen. They shouldn't cost you much more then your time.

Craft Number One: Whipped Snow

You will need:
2 Cups of warm water
1 Cup of soap flakes
1 Large bowl
1 electric mixer
*optional - food coloring

Directions:
In the large bowl, add the soap flakes and the warm water. Beat with the electric mixer until the mixture is very fluffy. If you want your snow to be colored, now is the time to add the color. Just add a drop at a time and mix, repeating until you reach your desired color. You may also choose to split the snow into smaller bowls and color them individually. Your child may now mold and shape the snow to their little heart's content. Allow the snow to dry for a longer display.

Craft Number Two: Homemade Silly Putty

You will need:
2 parts white glue (Elmer's School Glue or something similar.)
1 part liquid starch
1 small mixing bowl
1 air tight container

Directions:
Combine the glue and the starch into the small mixing bowl and mix together well. All the mixture to set and dry until you find that the putty is workable and not too sticky.

Important Note:
There is no exact science to making the putty. It reacts differently on different days due to humidity, temperature, etc. It is best to save this activity for dry, clear days. Also, be prepared to play with the measurements a little until you reach a consistency that makes you happy. You can always add more glue or starch.

Craft Number Three: Sugar Cube Sculptures

You will need:
Sugar Cubes
White Glue (Elmer's School Glue or something similar.)
Heavy Cardboard
Food Coloring or Liquid Tempera Paint

Directions:
Allow your child's inner Michaelangelo to emerge with this simple craft. Instruct your child to begin by gluing the sugar cubes to the cardboard and then to each other. A quick drop of food coloring or paint to the individual cubes will add some bright colors. Just remember - a little goes a long way!

Craft Number Four: Bathtub Paints

You will need:
Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream
Food Coloring
A Muffin Tin
A Spoon
Sponges or Paint Brushes

Directions:
In the individual sections of the muffin tins, spray a bit of shaving cream. Add a few drops of food coloring to the individual sections and mix with a spoon. Children can safely paint the tub or themselves and they really have a blast doing so. Clean up of this craft is super easy too - just use your shower head and hose down the child and tub!

Craft Number Five: Stained Glass Crayons

You will need:
Old, Broken Crayons - Peel Off Wrappers
Greased Muffin Tin - or Aluminum Cupcake Wrappers to Line the Tins

Directions: After lining or greasing the muffin tins, place crayon pieces in each section - no more then 3/4 the way full. Feel free to mix the colors up for a stained glass effect. Place in a 400 degree oven, watching closely. Remove as soon as the crayons have melted and let sit until cool. This is a great recycling project!

Important Note:
Although these look like cupcakes they are not to eat!

I hope that these simple crafts are enjoyed by you and your little ones. I've spent many years in the preschool classroom, and can tell you from experience that these crafts work! Good luck, and enjoy!