Remove the label from a clean, clear 16oz. plastic soda bottle. Pour at least 1/2 cup of light corn syrup into the bottle. Then add a few drops of food coloring and some glitter and/or confetti. Hot glue the lid onto the bottle. Have the children swirl and shake the bottle and watch it's movement. These can be varied considerably and still work great. Use the natural tendencies of oil and water to make a "lava lamp" type bottle. Just mix oil and water half and half, add a few sparkles and secure the lid. You can use 2 pop bottles joined at the mouth for these interesting bottles. Be sure to secure them very, very well, using hot glue gun or duct tape to prevent leaks.
Children love to pretend that they are building. Hammers, nails, and a block of Styrofoam or soft block of wood can be wonderful tools for fine motor skills. This is an activity that should be closely supervised. It is fun to create a wood working area in your home.
To occupy a small child while you are on the phone give him/her a couple of long strips of Scotch tape to keep busy.
Mix dish soap, water and red food coloring to a dishpan. It's a good idea to place the dishpan on a vinyl tablecloth. Provide manual eggbeaters for children to make bubbles. Wooden spoons and sponges in various shapes are good for this activity as well.
Zip lock bag,
Blue gel toothpaste,
Fish stickers.
Squirt an ample amount of toothpaste into the zip lock bag. Have the children squish it all around in the SEALED bag. Then reopen the bag and add fish and other sea life. Stickers work best because the toothpaste does not affect their appearance. Seal tightly and let the little ones play with it. I have one of these on their high chair to play with while I fix a meal.
Even the youngest children will enjoy this activity.
Sponges cut in various shapes
Tub of water
Paper towels
Give the sponge to an infant to feel and squeeze. Then moisten it with water and let him feel the difference. Then help him make prints on the paper towel. Or play with the sponges in a tub of water. (Set the water on a towel on the kitchen floor) Supervise closely as always when water is involved.
Older children can use sponges to "stamp" designs on construction paper with paint.
How can I make an easy costume?