Today, Daddy had to go in to work (he doesn't usually have to work weekends). The twins were out for the count so that meant FUN for me and Little N!
We have been on lots of lovely Autumn works and have enjoyed collecting lots of the lovely items nature has to offer this time of year!
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After we had made some leaf printing using foil and some nature patterns we turned to sensory play. We haven't played with shaving foam for quite a long time now, the last time would have been when we ventured outside and used it in our Tuff Tray. In fact it had been that long that Little N was a little unsure at first at what to do.
I needed something quick to use as the base. I usually use a boot tray (BUY HERE - UK / US) that I picked up for around £2 from Home Bargains. It is the tray I used for our Little Red Riding Hood sensory small world. It's a great size for 1-2 children but my lovely other half had put it in the shed. It was drizzly today. And sssh - I had put on a fresh pair of PJ's for a day indoors, so venturing into the garden was a no go. So I grabbed the lid off an under bed storage box. It worked a treat!
You will need:
Paints
Glitter (optional)
A pointer - I have found the most amazing Leaf Cocktail Stirrers that would go great with this activity!! (See below, where you can purchase them off Amazon). You can also use your finger/straws/twigs etc
A pointer - I have found the most amazing Leaf Cocktail Stirrers that would go great with this activity!! (See below, where you can purchase them off Amazon). You can also use your finger/straws/twigs etc
Please note - it is important to fully supervise children whilst doing this activity.
Begin by filling your tray with shaving foam. My daughter has sensitive skin so I have to be careful about what foam I use. I find the Aveeno Sensitive Shaving Gel (BUY HERE - UK / US) to work a treat! You may need to use your hand to spread it out flat. Squirt lots of lovely paint into the foam and add your glitter if you wish.
Some children may be reluctant to use their hands to begin with so I would advise having a pointer available. Having this there from the start will offer them the reassurance. Little N loves getting her hands dirty but as it was something 'new' she preferred using the pointers to begin with.
Using the end of your stick/pointer, drag it through the shaving foam and watch beautiful swirls appear before your eyes!!
Is it bad that I wish I was the one with the stick?!
It really is beautiful!! It's a great calming activity!
It was at this point where Little N wanted to get stuck in and ditch the stick. The language that came from here at this point was wonderful. Totally unprompted, she spoke about mixing colours, what new colours she was making. She said how the foam felt on her hands and she even went into her 'imaginative play' trance. Totally lost in her own world. I love play! It really is so much fun!!
Did you see when we did this activity around Valentines Day? It was featured in our co-authored Learn with Play book.
So, the next time you have a spare half hour and the URGE of doing a fun activity comes over you..... Grab a tray and get doing some of your very own Shaving Foam Painting! - Enjoy!!
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