Fingerpaint

Boil a jug of water
In a large bowl or basin mix:

  • 2 cups cornflour
  • 1 cup cold water

Ensure water is boiling, then while stirring the cornflour and cold water, slowly pour in the boiling water. Keep pouring and stirring (having two people working together helps!) until the mixture 'grabs' or suddenly becomes thick.

Stop pouring and stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and translucent. Add more hot water if too thick.

Add 1/2 cup Lux soap flakes and stir well. Add tempera paint for colour. Present fingerpaint in small containers, e.g. margarine pots. Different colours are useful for colour mixing experiences. Leave one container white.

Provide a flat, smooth surface for children to work on, e.g. table top or formica boards made from offcuts. Have aprons and a bowl of water and towel for handwashing nearby. Playing music can stimulate rhythmic actions.

Fingerpaint will keep in the fridge for one or two days.
 

Cornflour Gloop


Slowly add 1 cup of cold water to 2 cups of cornflour in a bowl. Stir until the water is absorbed by the cornflour. Add colour if wanted. Present gloop in ice-cream or large containers with spoons, cups, etc.
 

Slime

Dissolve 1 cup of Lux flakes in 2 litres of warm water. Add colouring if wanted. Allow the mixture to stand until it becomes thick and slimy. Beat with eggbeater to make it froth.

Present slime in a wide, open container or trough. Provide eggbeaters, spoons, funnels, cups, sponges, sieves, whisks, etc. for children to experiment with.
 

These messy play recipes are available on the Ministry of Education site.