Engaging your toddler in sensory play is a wonderful way to stimulate their brain's development, and making oobleck is an ideal activity for this age group. It embodies science, sensory and mathematical concepts, and the learning of new vocabulary can be encouraged by conversations you can have while playing together! What Is Oobleck? Oobleck is named after the gooey substance in Dr. Seuss’s book *Bartholomew and the Oobleck*. It behaves like a liquid when poured, and like a solid when pressure is applied, making it a non-Newtonian fluid. This dual nature of oobleck offers a unique sensory experience that captivates young children, especially toddlers who are eager to explore the world with their hands. Made from just cornstarch and water, it is not only fascinating to play with but also a safe, inexpensive, and easy way to introduce young children to basic scientific concepts. Plus, it’s messy fun! Materials Needed- 1 cup of cornstarch- ½ cup of water- Food coloring or paint (optional)- A large bowl or shallow tray- A spoon or spatulaStep-by-Step Guide1. Preparation: Gather all the materials and set up a play area that can handle some mess: a highchair tray, the kitchen counter, a large plastic mat, or even an outdoor setting works well. Dress your toddler in clothes that can get dirty or use an apron.2. Mixing the Oobleck: Start by pouring the cornstarch into the bowl or tray. Slowly add water to the cornstarch, encouraging your toddler to help by pouring or stirring. You can even let them mix with their hands. You’ll notice that the mixture becomes thick and hard to stir—this is the magic of oobleck!3. Colorful Fun: If you’d like, add a few drops of food coloring or paint to the mixture. Let your child mix the colours and observe while they swirl and mix into the oobleck, providing an additional visual stimulation.4. Exploration Time: Encourage your toddler to dip their hands in, squeeze it, poke it, and even let it drip from their fingers. Talk to them about what they’re feeling: “Is it soft? Is it hard? Does it feel cool?” These conversations help build their vocabulary and understanding of textures. Expand the possibilities by adding toys (that can be washed after) and natural resources - this will encourage your child's imagination and the understanding of the world around them.5. Science in Action: Show your child how the oobleck changes when they apply different amounts of pressure. Let them punch it and see it act like a solid, then gently run their fingers through it to see it flow like a liquid. You can also roll it into a ball and watch it “melt” back into a liquid when you stop moving it. Talk about every action using descriptive words and verbs to encourage communication skills.6. Clean-Up: When the fun is over, clean-up is easy. Oobleck is water-soluble, so it washes off surfaces and hands with water. Let it dry out, and you can easily dispose of it in the trash—avoid washing large amounts down the drain to prevent clogs.Benefits of Playing with OobleckMaking and playing with oobleck is a fun educational experience. This activity helps in developing fine motor skills as your toddler pinches, pokes, and manipulates the mixture. The sensory experience of playing with different textures also aids in cognitive development and fosters curiosity.Moreover, it’s a great way to introduce basic science concepts such as states of matter (solid and liquid) in a playful and engaging manner. Your toddler will be fascinated by how the oobleck behaves differently than anything else they’ve played with before. It is a lovely way to bond while stimulating your child's sensory and cognitive development. It’s a simple, affordable activity that offers endless opportunities for exploration and learning. Don't be scared of getting little messy: children learn when engaged! Use their curiosity and this opportunity to also teach them a lesson in self-care and tidying up after the play is over. Important reminder: always supervise your babies while they interact with any objects and material. Images: BBC Good Food
