Get Slimed! Sensory Slime is the Way to Go!
It’s Slime Time!
Sensory Slime is the Way to Go!
Judy Benz Duncan, Occupational Therapist
Sensory Slime is a great fun activity and sensory integration tool to use with your child. Many slime recipes include ingredients that may not always be safe for your child to use, so it is a great idea to make your own slime at home. Making your own sensory slime is easier than you think, and you control exactly what is in the mix.
Some slime (purchased and homemade) includes borax or eye-drop solution. While borax is generally considered safe to handle when diluted, some kids inevitably put the stuff in their mouth! Borax is a common ingredient in many household cleaners and laundry detergent, and has even used in bug sprays and fire retardants.
The recipes given here on TheraPlay4Kids.com are kid friendly, kid safe, and do not contain borax or other chemical substances that your child could be sensitive to.
As with any sensory activity, never force a child to participate. You may need to present an activity numerous times before they will interact, accept, or tolerate the item or activity. Continue to offer the experiences and activities giving the child some control as to whether or not they will participate. For some children, just being next to and looking at certain items is a start.
If your child withdraws or becomes overwhelmed with any of the activities or media presented, move on to something else! Your child may only tolerate one or a few of the ideas suggested – remember it’s trial and error and giving your child some control over what they will work with will help in preventing sensory overload.
Check out the different types of sensory slime you can make at home. You may want to try a variety for the fun, play, and added sensory experience. Please share with credit to TheraPlay4Kids.com
Slime recipes include:
o Basic Edible Sensory Slime
o Cornstarch Based Edible Sensory Slime
o Edible Sensory Gummy Bear Slime
o Edible Nutella Brand Sensory Slime
o Edible Chocolate Sensory Slime
o Sensory Soap Slime
o Color Changing Sensory Slime
o Sensory Flubber Slime
o If you are ready, let’s Get Slimed!
Basic Edible Sensory Slime
While this slime is not meant to be eaten, it is safe to eat, so if your child puts it in their mouth, takes a bite, or swallows it, it is kid safe.
What you need:
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (per can of condensed milk)
Food coloring or a little unsweetened powdered drink mix (purple, red, orange, and so on) – add a small amount at a time to get the desired color results
A couple of drops vanilla or other flavoring, if you would like (for flavor and for aroma)
Saucepan
Mixing utensil
Storage container if keeping
What to do:
o In a saucepan stir together the milk and cornstarch
o Put stove on low heat (adults only for the heating process please!)
o Stir and slowly heat until the mixture thickens
o Remove from heat
o Stir in the coloring and any flavorings
o Allow the slime to cool
o Enjoy – time to play and taste if they want!
o When finished playing with this slime toss it out or be sure to store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator (keep for only a day or two)
o Note: If you added and food coloring or colored drink mix, keep the slime away from surfaces which could be stained or colored, such as clothing, carpet or upholstery.
Cornstarch Based Sensory Slime
This is a simple and easy recipe that is kid friendly for tasting!
What you need:
o Cornstarch
o Water
o Food coloring or unsweetened drink mix packages if you would like to add some color
o Flavoring (food grade) as desired
o Mixing bowl
o Utensils to stir the mix
o Storage container
What to do:
o Get bowl ready
o Add 2 cups cornstarch
o Add 1 cup water
o Add food grade coloring and/or flavors
o Mix it up well
o Change the consistency to your likening by adding either a little more cornstarch or a little more water
o Add any coloring agents at this time
o Time to play with it!
o Refrigerate and do not keep more than a day or two
Options: For NON-EDIBLE USE: Add texture as you mix the slime up – you can add hard seeds, glitter, sequins, whole oats, and the like. When adding food based substances toss out when done playing with the slime for safety.
Edible Sensory Gummy Bear Slime
This is a fun, easy to make slime that is safe to taste and maybe even take a bite of!
What you need:
o 1 cup of gummy bears or other gummy critter
o 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
o 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
o Heat safe /microwave safe bowl
o Mixing utensil
What to do:
o Place gummy critters in microwave safe bowl
o Adults only for heating please!
o Heat for just 10-15 seconds
o Stir, stir, stir
o Heat again in 10-15 second time frames until good and gooey looking
o Once gooey-melted, stir in powdered sugar
o Stir in cornstarch to mix
o Stir until your gummy sensory slime forms a ball-type shape in the bowl
o Use your hands to finish smooshing and mixing when it is too tough to use a spoon to stir with
o Add a little dusting of cornstarch to the mixture to keep it from sticking to your hands
o Allow the slime to cool
o Enjoy – time to play and taste if they want!
o When finished playing with this slime toss it out or be sure to store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator (keep for only a day or two)
