We had so much fun playing with our patriotic sensory bin, that I HAD to make some more rainbow rice. This time I chose to make it in a bright yellow color — perfect for summer!
Not sure how to make rainbow rice? I just put in a few drops of food coloring into 2-3 cups of rice and stir until most of the rice is colored. Then I pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds and spread it out on a plate to finish drying.
Once I had our sunshine rice ready, I had fun finding little trinkets to go with a beach theme. I had some paper umbrellas I picked up at the dollar store for later this summer, some shells, and then I grabbed a few of their ocean animals. I also added a plastic pirate flag and some “treasures” for them to find.
When I called them into the kitchen to play, they had fun finding all the little treasures.
Peanut immediately started telling a story…
“Look at this beautiful coin!” cried Mrs. Crab. “I’m going to put it over with my umbrella…”
I had fun listening to her story for quite a while.
My youngest preschooler also started a story of his own. He felt the need to add a few (more than a few) more ocean animals and bugs, and a couple trucks for good measure.
I love that they each put their own twist on their play.
When they were finished, I just put our sunshine rice in a bag, ready to play with another day!
Rach says
Just pinned this idea for later! Thanks!
OneMommy says
Thanks so much for pinning it!
Kristen says
We just got those water Orb things and they are so much fun for sensory play. Even though my girls are older, they are having a blast filling buckets up with water and playing with them and their fairy and mermaid Barbies. Sensory play never gets old. It still soothes me. 🙂
OneMommy says
Oh! I just bought some of those and can’t wait to try them with the kids! 🙂 Love the idea of the mermaids with them…. (Okay, my son might need something different, but pretty sure Peanut will be swimming mermaids along merrily.)
OneMommy says
Oh! I just bought some of those and can’t wait to try them with the kids! 🙂 Love the idea of the mermaids with them…. (Okay, my son might need something different, but pretty sure Peanut will be swimming mermaids along merrily.)