Early Lit Bits: Learning with Crafts — Corny Crafting

Corny Crafting

It’s August and local sweet corn is in season. Most children love eating corn on the cob and even enjoy helping to shuck ears of corn before dinner is prepared. Pulling off layers of husk and picking bits of corn silk off the cobs is great exercise for little fingers and hands. And speaking of corn, here is a wonderful sensory craft that you can make with cornstarch and shaving cream. Mom bloggers everywhere give glowing reviews of this dough’s silky texture. Playing with play dough is another great way to exercise hands and build fine motor skills. (Note: This sensory activity is messy and best done in the kitchen or outside.) Be sure to warn young children that this dough is not edible.

Materials

Cornstarch (2) 16 oz. boxes
Shaving Cream (one full can)

Directions

Dump two boxes of corn starch into a plastic container.
Add an entire container of white foam shaving cream.
Let children mix the corn starch while an adult adds the shaving cream and be prepared with molds if desired.

To Use

Children can help mix the cornstarch with the shaving cream until a foamy dough forms. Have fun molding the dough with small plastic containers, bowls, or food storage containers.

Other Ideas

Buy a bag of dried corn and fill a large plastic bowl with the corn. Provide children with scoops, measuring spoons, and spoons to use while playing with the corn.

–Anjie G. at KDL’s Walker Branch

 

This article originally appeared in our Early Lit Bits eNewsletter. Read the most recent issue online or sign up to receive this monthly update highlighting early literacy tips and resources for parents and caregivers.