Jello Dig

Jello Dig

Sensory Activity

I have recently been looking for new ways to entertain my little one. I feel like she has been playing with the same toys for over 5 months. She seems to feel it too. I do try to rotate her toys so she has a variety to play with. But, I decided it was time to go on Pinterest to search for a few activities I could complete with Maci. I searched for activities that had little prep and possibly things that I already had at home. Each week I would like to complete a new activity. Not only is this fun for Maci, but for me too!

Our first activity we tried was the Jello Dig. This is a great sensory activity for children 6 months to 5 years old. Here are some of the supplies you will need: throwaway aluminum tin (purchased ours from the dollar store), package of gelatin, a few of your child's favorite plastic toys (I used Maci's pacifier, four different shapes from her shape sorter, one of her spoons, and teething carrot), apron/bib, digging utensils (I gave Maci a spoon, but she mainly used her hands), plastic table cloth to put on the floor for easy cleanup or a high chair, and a wet rag to wipe those sticky hands off. 

The day/night before you want to try the activity gather the toys you are going to use. Place them in the Jello dish you are going to use and pour the prepared Jello mixture over them. Place the prepared dish in the refrigerator until it is time to complete the activity. It will usually take 6 hours for the Jello to become firm. 

When you are ready to complete the activity lay the plastic table cloth down or whatever you are going to use. Then set the prepared container of Jello out with the digging utensils. After you have everything ready get your child ready for the dig and if your child is older explain to them what they are going to be digging for. Example; I want you to look for different shapes and when you find the shapes I want you to sort them. Talk to your child as they are exploring the Jello. Ask them questions as they work.

At first Maci seemed a little unsure, but as soon as she realized she could eat the Jello her face lit up. She has been teething and I think the cool Jello felt good on her sore gums. As she was exploring I would ask her how the Jello felt. Was it squishy? Did it feel cold and slippery? Could she find her orange carrot? I feel like this activity was a win. Maci enjoyed the activity and it wasn’t too bad of a cleanup.

                         

For an older child you could put different items in the Jello for them to sort as they find them. They could work on shapes, colors, letters, letter sounds, numbers, sorting, etc. The possibilities are endless. 

If you try the activity out I’d love to hear how it went. Or if you need some more ideas on how to complete the activity let me know and I'd be happy to help. 

Happy digging!