This is a great activity for children of all ages from 4 months and up. There is no "end product" just lots of tactile fun making the goop and then squishing it around.

Here's what you will need:
1 cups water
½ cup cornstarch
Food colouring
Zipper bags (optional)

Here's how to make it:
Review the rules about cooking near the stove with the toddlers and preschoolers who may want to watch, and participate in the cooking portion. Keep children a safe distance away from the stove and do not let young children of any age pour the boiling water. Boil water in a pot. Add cornstarch and stir until smooth. Slowly add food colouring until it is the colour you would like. Remove from the heat and cool. Let your children squish away on tray at the table or on the floor or for less mess put into a zipper bag and seal. Some children may not like the feel of goop and may prefer playing with it in a sealed bag.

Here's what you can do while you make it:
While making the goop toddlers and preschoolers can learn about safety rules when working in the kitchen. In addition, remember to talk about each of the ingredients allowing them to touch, smell and if possible taste each one. As you combine the ingredients talk about how the mixture changes with the addition of each ingredient. Finally, once it is finished, talk about the qualities of the goop.

Here's what you can do once you have made it:
Let children play with the goop placing it in a tray to contain the mess. As you play with the goop and your child, talk about the qualities of the goop - how it feels and smells. Bring in some other materials like cookie cutters and see what happens when you try to make a shape. Even infants will enjoy sitting on your lap or in their high chair and touching the goop, drawing in the goop, and generally playing with it. If your child is reluctant to touch the goop put it into a Ziploc bag and let them mush it (don't be alarmed by this reluctance - some children are sensitive about touching things so be patient). With infants, adults should describe the qualities and should sit either with the infant on their lap or if the infant is in a highchair, sit so she can see your face as you describe the feeling of the goop. If you are playing with a toddler or preschooler, the floor or a table with the goop in a tray will let him explore with you. Instead of describing the qualities ask your toddler or preschooler to describe the feeling and let them experiment with different materials like cookie cutters.

Comfort, Play & Teach™ Message

		Comfort: Spending time with your child making the goop and then playing with it makes your child feel loved.
		Play: Once the goop is ready, let your imaginations go and your senses be stimulated as you and your child explore the qualities of the goop.
		Teach: Any activity that involves mixing is a great "teach" moment. Talking to your child about the different ingredients, their qualities and what happens when they are put together are just a few of the things you can explore. You can also talk about what you can and can't do with the goop.

For Ages: Infants and up

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