The first in our winter series is Antarctic small world and sensory play with the wonderful Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Today’s activity is edible, foamy, and incorporates up-cycled DIY slides with lots of messy sticky play.
If you’ve followed our small world play, you know I LOVE up-cyling materials and using play recipes to make our sensory materials. We’ve already created an Arctic Snow Dough Small World, so it’s time to venture to the south pole and visit the whales, penguins, and seals on the icebergs of Antarctica.
You’ll need the following materials: [affiliate links]
- (3) Blue Jello
- Ice Cube Trays (optional)
- Whip Cream
- (2) Happy Puffs O’s Containers
- Large Bin
- Animals – Arctic Toob, Ocean Toob (optional Penguin Toob)
- Brad Piercing Tool (optional)
- (4) Brads Pins (optional) *substitute hot glue
Let’s start with the super chilly icy-blue jello water! To make the jello water follow the instructions on the box and pour the jello liquid mixture into ice-cube trays. There’s a quick-set method on the box too – much faster! We used 3 boxes total. One box fills two ice-cube trays. After it sets, use a butter knife to score the edges and dump the cubes out. The cubes won’t be perfect, but it’s jello icy water right?! For the frothy snow, we used whip cream! Edible sensory play – fun! Our intention wasn’t to eat it, but more for the sensations and fantastic fruity smell! The aromatic scent really packs a strong sensory punch.
Here’s a sneak peek at our Antarctic Small World, The Sensory Iceberg! Now let’s make the up-cycled DIY slides for play.
To assemble the slides, the directions are as follows:
- You’ll need (2) Baby O’s Containers, brad pierce tool or needle, (4) brad pins, and scissors. You can substitute hot glue for the brads. The only difference is it won’t be adjustable.
- Clean the containers, remove cap, and cut off both ends. Following the horizontal seem, cut down the container on both sides. It makes two pieces as shown above.
- Line-up the two pieces at the top and poke a hole through both pieces.
- Push the brad pin through and flatten both sides.
- Your DIY are now adjustable.
After assembling the slides, C could hardly wait for the jello to set, so he moved them to his shredded paper sensory bin we made a few weeks ago. Hilarious! Surprisingly, C was all about the jello and patiently – not really – waiting to play with it! He’s never been exposed to jello so I was pleasantly surprised by his excitement! Not to mention the fabulous smell of the blue ice. He kept saying, “Mommy, smell! I want to smell the blue-ice please!” After explaining the activity was for tomorrow, he made new plans for play. He added water to his bin and made an animal water station with the slides. He loved the last animal washing station we made with bubbles. I’d say the slides are differently a big hit!
Harper seal is enjoying the slippery-snowy slides. He’s not cold though, he’s got an extra layer of blubber to keep him warm on the icebergs of Antarctica. We used the whales, seals, and penguins from Safari’s Toobs. The two larger penguins are from a polar playlet. Let’s explore the icebergs of Antarctica now!
The Emperor penguins are getting ready to go find fish in the icy-blue waters! Imaginative play is so fun.
Orca whales are having fun!
Sperm whale is diving deep in the cold waters of Antarctica.
Penguin is belly surfing on the icy caps – wee! He’s never been exposed to jello or whip cream, so he was hesitant at first, but by the end he was really enjoying all the textures and sensations. He said, “Ow, icy-sticky jello is slimy!”
Beware penguins, Orca whales may eat you – eek!
Who knew jello would be so fun?! The coolness and jelly-like textures really make for a wonderful sensory experience. Sensory and imaginative play really helps children develop words to sensations and it facilitates exploration while they play, create, and explore. Plus, it’s inexpensive and fun.
Here’s C in action! And yes, as I predicted, he tried to eat it. Luckily, it’s not his flavor – so too speak. He really enjoyed this sensory experience. We even added in a few measuring scoops for packing, filling, and pouring.
As always, please supervise your children during play. Although the animals are large, beware of mouthing. This activity isn’t age-appropriate for everyone. Please use your own discretion.
Be sure to pop over to Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails blog each week in November too.
Here’s her Sensational Winter Sensory Play activities: Antarctica Sensory Sink.
Are you following our Kids Crafts & Activities Board on Pinterest?
CONNECT WITH US >> Facebook :: Twitter :: Bloglovin’ :: Goggle+
Amazon Affilate Links (thank you :))
Very creative and clever. We have included your craft idea in our round up of ‘6 boys craft’. Thank you. Penny
LikeLike
I love all the details in this sensory bin, especially the slides. Thanks so much for sharing in the Discover and Explore linky. I’m featuring this post today.
LikeLike
Thank you Shaunna. 🙂 My son has moved them to every bin since then, lol. I just love those O’s containers. I really appreciate the feature too. Great topics in discover & explore! Thanks for hosting!
LikeLike
I really like reading through an article that can make
men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
LikeLike
oh my gosh this is awesome, my daughter would love this, such a great idea thank you for sharing, now following you
Sheena @ http://thekeeperofcheerios.blogspot.com/
LikeLike
Hi Sheena! Sorry I never saw your comment! Thank you so much! Following you on Bloglovin’ now! 🙂
LikeLike
Looks fun and delicious! Thank you for linking to the Learn Through Play hop!
LikeLike
Oh that looks like such a blast. I love your up-cycled slides!
LikeLike
Hi Katie. Thank you! My son has moved them to three different bins, so I’d day they’re a hit! Thanks again. 🙂
LikeLike
This is so cute! I love that you included little slides 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I’m obsessed with up-cycling those O’s containers. 🙂
LikeLike
This is such a fun looking activity! Almost looks like real penguins in Antarctica 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Kate. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! My son really enjoyed it. 🙂 Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
I love edible sensory play – never mixed jelly and cream though what a fab idea. Thank you for linking up your fantastic post with MotivationalMonday
LikeLike
Hi Pinkoddy! Thank you for hosting and your lovely comments! Cheers!
LikeLike
I love the idea of using jello and whipped cream! I hope to use this idea, and change t up so that my 13 month old can play too! Thanks for the post!
LikeLike
HI Jess. Sounds awesome! The textures are really neat. Thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
Fabulous, Heather! This looks like so much fun!!
LikeLike
Thanks again Ann. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Enjoy your week!
LikeLike
Blue jello for the water – love it!
LikeLike
HI Emma. Thanks! =) He was hesitant at first, but eventually loved it too!
LikeLike
This is great! Looking foward to the Series!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! Winter play is so fun. 🙂
LikeLike
Those slides are amazing. what a brilliant idea! I just love the your set up. Looks like a ton of fun was had:)
LikeLike
thank you Jaime! Yours too. I love this series! Let’s do another one!
LikeLike