The first method that I’m going to share with you is using food coloring to create colorful base materials for your sensory tubs. Food coloring works best for many larger dry materials such as garbanzo beans (chickpeas), navy beans, and Lima beans. It also works very well for Epsom salt and creates very interesting effects for rice. There are no specific measurements for the amount of base material that you want. You can create as you go for color variances.  Add enough color drops to get the shade you desire. If you want a large amount of base material in a very bright color, you will need plenty of both.

 

The garbanzo beans  have a limited amount of food coloring in order to create a mottled appearance.

Using Lima beans, will result in a more equal coating and a more consistent color.

 

Supplies for the food coloring method include:

• raw materials (beans, rice, salt etc.)
• sealable gallon size plastic bags
• food coloring (colors of your choice)
• foil or wax paper
• plenty of paper towels

 

Begin by finding a large open surface on which to dry your products. This can be a kitchen counter top, table, floor, or even outdoors. You will want to cover the area in either foil or wax paper and then place a layer of paper towels over the top. The foil layer will keep the wet color from leaking onto the surface and staining. If you are drying your materials outdoors, you may find the base layer unnecessary.

 

 

 

For a shoe box size tub, place 6 cups of your choice of base material into a gallon bag. This will be enough material to fill the tub approximately half-way leaving plenty of room to push the material around without spilling it outside of the container.

 

Next, squeeze several drops of your selected color over the material. Four drops will be a good start for a light base color. Squeeze the bag around the beans or peas, and continue to move the color around until all of the material is coated. If you want a darker color, then add more.

 

Once you have the desired color, pour the colored materials out over the paper towels in a single layer to dry. Allow the materials plenty of time to fully dry before placing them in the sensory tub for play.

 

Adding Scent:

You can further enhance the sensory experience of your activity by adding scent. Scent is easily added by including a small amount of food extracts from your kitchen or a few drops of essential oils. The food extracts are more liquid and may require a little more drying time but they will work fine. The essential oils work very well without adding much liquid. Essential oils are increasing in popularity and are readily available online. Choose the scent based on the materials, theme, season, or whatever you would like.

 

 

You can find many more activities in the book which is available at Amazon.com. Direct links to all of the books are on the page labeled “Dr. Andrea’s Books.”