Research shows that expensive electronic toys aren't at all good for stretching imagination or boosting cognition. It's the low- and no-cost toys, tools of what specialists refer to as loose parts play, that are superior. The bonus? Most of them can be made at home. They're great for your kids and light on your pocketbook – and you don't need to be a craft queen to get started.
• Water tables are a great way for kids to experience water play. They can wash unbreakable dishes, give plastic animals baths, pour and fill cups, sieves, or funnels, experiment with objects that sink or swim or stage sea battles. Water play not only boosts imagination, but like sand, lays the foundation for math skills by experimenting with volume, measurements, weight and the fundamentals of addition and subtraction.
Instead of shelling out upwards of $100 for a water table, it's easy to make your own. Any Rubbermaid-type waterproof container will do, about six inches deep. Fill it up and place it on any piece of backyard furniture suitable for your child's height. If you want, you can add a second container right beside it and fill it with sand, just remember to cover it at night and when it rains.
For indoor water play a stool and kitchen sink will do the trick, as will the bathtub. You can also empty out a spray bottle and give your child a clean rag to pretend to clean the windows and floor, or a pail and a clean paintbrush to freely paint tables, chairs and walls.
• Commercial playdough is cheap and many types are non-toxic, so is there any point in making your own? Absolutely! First off, it's fun. Plus, it instills in children the knowledge that they can produce the tools of their own enjoyment. Beware, there are many different recipes out there – but don't get discouraged, it's just goo! Choose a recipe that has the items stocked in your pantry. Here's a great basic recipe to get you started:
In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of water, 2 ½ cups of salt, 3 tbsp cream of tartar, and food colouring (if desired) over low heat. Stir with a wooden spoon. Once the mixture heats up, stir in 10 tbsp of vegetable oil and slowly add 5 cups of flour. Continue to stir until the mixture starts to dry and pull away from the sides. Test if done by pinching a piece between your fingers: if it does not stick it's done. Remove from heat. Knead the dough on the counter until it's smooth.
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