If you're like most parents, you're constantly on the lookout for fun things to do with your kids that involve hands-on creativity rather than passively spending time in front of a screen. Kids have an innate love for making things, so why not mix up a batch or two of slime the next time the occasion calls for a few hours of sensory play? It's easy to make, provides valuable chemistry lessons as well as a creative outlet, and most kids and even some adults simply love to play with it.
The ingredients needed to make a batch of slime are possibly already present somewhere in your home. You'll need Elmer's glue, Sta-flo starch, food coloring, and water. Clear glue is recommended if you want slime in vibrant shades, while white glue provides an opalescent effect. You'll also need to have one clean bowl and one mixing spoon for every batch of slime you choose to make. If you're going to be making rainbow slime, you should plan on at least three separate batches in different colors. Also, glitter is awesome to add but it's not required.
Making slime is a fairly simple process. Here's how to make one batch:
Mix the glue and the water in a bowl until well-blended, and then add several drops of food coloring until you reach the desired shade. Add the liquid starch next, stirring as the mixture forms a blob. You may have to knead the slime for several minutes before it develops the desired elasticity.
To make rainbow slime, stretch out individual colored slime, place the strands next to each other, and roll them together — your children will be amazed at the beautiful color combinations. It can also be embellished by adding glitter, confetti, or even loose sequins.
When it's time for the fun to come to an end for the day, you can store the slime in Ziplock bags and place them in the refrigerator to enjoy at a later date. To keep the slime from drying out, choose bags that are just large enough to hold it so that there will be a minimum of extra air — and be sure to squeeze out the air before sealing the bag. Slime can also be stored in airtight containers.
You may have to knead the slime the next time you use it to restore its elasticity. It's also important that anyone who handles the slime thoroughly wash and dry their hands prior to touching it. Bacteria on the hands may get into the slime and begin to grow, and many of the ingredients in hand lotion may cause the structure of the slime to break down.
Under ideal conditions, the slime should last of a couple of weeks, but don't worry if it doesn't — it's cheap and easy to make, and every batch has its own special magic.
*** Disclaimer: Slime making should always be under an adult's supervision. The slime is not edible in anyway.