"It smells of science!" a toddler sensory activity

Today we have been exploring all five of our senses with a simple, cheap but very cool activity.

I have done bicarbonate of soda 'volcanoes' in the past, but have found it to be quite a short-lived activity for my 2.5 and 3.5 year olds.

Today I had the idea of doing something with the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar that would engage them for a little longer.

I got out our sensory trays (aka plastic cat litter trays from a one pound discount shop!) and sprinkled the bottom with a fine layer of bicarbonate of soda. I then mixed a couple of bowls with a mixture of vinegar and paste food colouring to make a vinegar 'paint'.

I gave them a spoon each and showed them how to gently pour a small amount of the coloured liquid onto the bed of bicarbonate of soda.

They noticed the fizzing straight away

Doing a bit of stirring 

Without prompting my 3.5 year old declared "it smells of science!" - this is because when we have played with vinegar volcanoes in the past I have described it as science, so this goes to show that sensory stimulation causes incredible cognitive development in toddlers.

"Its making circle patterns, Mummy!"

Watching the girls play with this set up was fascinating. I hadn't considered that the spoons being used again to scoop up more liquid would leave small amounts of bicarbonate of soda behind in the bowls. My 2.5 year old said "my red water is making a noise!" - she was referring to the big bubbles she was popping with her spoon that were creating a fizz.

Small amounts of bicarbonate of soda created big bubbles
 in the red vinegar mix

"I've got fizzy monster hands!"

As far as messy activities go, this one is a pretty simple clean up, providing you cover your main surface with an easy wipe cloth. Dunking their hands in the warm soapy washing up bowl to help me wash the containers afterwards was another sensory bonus!

Helping to clear the activity away

Self-directed craft fun

Wherever possible, I like to allow my little people to lead the way and as a result I take a baby-lead approach to most things in my life as a parent. I firmly believe that children learn best when a supportive adult is present and engaging with the activity, but yet not actively involved in the process. I try to ask guiding questions, show interest and enthusiasm for their 'product' but allow them to own the experience themselves.

My three and a half year old is very keen to craft, she loves seeing a 'thing' she has made and adores giving her 'things' to anyone who happens to pop into the house (including the meter reader people!). I had been thinking of ways to make the creative process for making collages (her absolute favourite activity) a little more Olivia lead. So I came up with this!



I got these little drawers from a one pound discount shop and filled them with small amounts of our collage 'bits and bobs'. Liv is very fond of them and calls them her doodle drawers!

During this session, she decided to make rainbows with her glitter glue and pile some of her sparkly sequins on top. I asked her what she thought would happen if she used a brush to spread the glue out and she was thrilled to notice the sparkle of the glitter all over her page.

Sadly, she appears to have drown a little Easter chick in the glitter glue. Poor little guy.

A sneak peek of spring on a snowy day

My beautiful eldest daughter has her very first Easter bonnet parade at her Forest School on Tuesday. She is positively thrilled about the idea so I've been working away at a very special handmade bonnet.

Originally inspired by the beautiful felt crowns I see a lot of on Pinterest, I decided to make her a felt Easter headband.

Here are some sneak peeks before the big reveal once it is in it's rightful place atop her perfect little bonce.

While playing around with my box of felty I noted my sheer frustration at my embroidery floss being tangled. I decided I use some clothes pegs to help with the storage of it, and I think it worked really well. OCD porn anyone?

And this little guy says peepooo too!