Chia Seed Slime

DATE: May 4, 2022, Wednesday
WHEN WAS IT DONE: Sensory Time
PARTICIPANTS: Jeeyansh, Kiaan, Ivanshi, Jaxay, Viaan, Shivyah, Miraya, Advaith

MATERIALS REQUIRED: 

  • Chia Seeds

  • Cornstarch

  • Water

  • Paints

INVITATION SET-UP:
The invitation was set using three trays so that each child could get a chance to participate in the activity. The chia seeds were soaked into water beforehand so as to get the slimy texture. Everything, including soaked chia seeds, water, cornstarch and paints were put into separate containers and introduced to the children step by step. While setting up this invite, facilitators may often talk about things like the texture of the seeds and the process of the activity or vocalize every action that they are doing at that moment.

PROCESS:
In the chia seed slimy making, first the seeds were emptied onto the tray followed by adding the corn starch along with water. The children mixed everything on the tray to get a slime-like texture. To make it more colorful, colors were added to the chia seeds slime mixture. 

CHILDREN’S RESPONSE:
All the children who were a part of the activity, participated and followed the steps that were being done by the facilitator. The facilitator only initiated each step, the mixing of the seeds with the cornstarch to get the slime was done by the children themselves. This messy but fun sensory time was enjoyed by all the children.

PRECAUTIONS:
Being mindful that the children do not put the chia seed slime mixture in their mouth or on someone else.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Fine Motors Skills - The activity included mixing the chia seed with cornstarch and water and squeezing the paints into the mixture. Such tasks lead to the enhancement of fine motor muscles in our hands.

  • Sensory Experience - Understanding the texture of the wet and slimy mixture provides a tactile experience for children. Adding colors to the experiment also enhances their visual senses.

  • Language Development - Learning names of new materials, like, Chia seeds and cornstarch or just receiving language to communicate actions helps in language development in young children.

  • Hand-eye coordination - Pouring with aim requires proper hand-eye coordination. Therefore, this activity helps in developing the same.

  • Attention, focus and concentration -  To complete the tasks of the activity, one would require accurate levels of attention, listening to instructions, focus, to execute the tasks effectively and concentration to complete the task.

First Step Program, SensorySohini TalukdarSensory, Slime