We need sensory sand! Not just sensory sand but I need to be aware of allergens like gluten. The kids need to have a gluten free, allergen free moon sand. They can work on their fine motor skills, hand & finger muscle strength, and slowly desensitizing their fingers with fun sand activities.
This was an adaptation from Pinterest and an old craft book I had on my shelf. This smash up recipe is brought to you FREE to use in your home. Learning letters to fine motor skill therapy work!
4 cups play sand (I used non-colored sand out of concern of possible dye issues) ( Activa Play Sand, 25-Pound, White
2 cups rice flour (Bob’s Red Mill Rice Flour White, 24-Ounce (Pack of 4)
1 cup baby oil ( Johnsons Baby Oil 14oz (3 Pack)
Mix the dry ingredients together well. Then slowly pour in the oil as you stir. The water amounts may change as per the water content of your sand.
*This sand produced a soft moon sand quality for low tone hands to work with*
Variation! Moon Sand with more oomph!
4 cups play sand
2 cups corn starch
1 cup baby oil
Mix all dry ingredients together. Slowly pour in oil and be sure to break up cornstarch clumps. This sand is more resistant on the hands and can depending on the amount of oil you use can be a harder work out for little fingers. Simply add more oil for a smoother sand or less for a more resistant sand!
I did not use any coloring in this recipe.
If you know of some natural ways to color sand please speak up! Love to try to add some color to our sensory bins!
*** Just a note we tried these recipes several different ways. Water tended to create a sloppy sand mess. When cornstarch was added to a water/sand concoction it stiffened up so hard my little helpers couldn’t stir and gave up using their hands to stir. Frankly just wasn’t worth the time.
I used baby oil in these sands. I used a hypoallergenic type. I also began thinking baby oil has a lavender, relaxing, scent and that might be a great addition to a sensory bin. Hmmm perhaps we are not done with fussing with this recipe. 😀
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How much water is suggested to add?
Try Red Beet powder to color your sand.
Hi
Just wanted to say thanks.
I was looking to make my own make-up, such as blush or foundation. On the blush they used beet powder that was in capsules. Cocoa powder for the foundation. Never really tried yet, but its a thought 🙂
Great idea. I tried red beet powder but didn’t get a very strong color. I plan on trying this again. I might have underestimated the amount needed.
I used baby oil in the recipes. I accidentally left the word water in the recipe before I fiddled with it. I have changed it now. Thank you for the heads up!