I wanted my first Monday Made It to be a back to Kindergarten project. I always used hair gel sensory bags with my kinders for letter/sound practice back in the day. However, I gave my old set to one of my colleagues last year when I switched to 5th. I decided to have this be my made it for the week. I am trying the rice for the first time too!
I went with the neon dye, but they are a bit more primary when you use only the hair gel.
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![Using Hair Gel to Make Sensory Bags hair gel sensory bags](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGylqL7r_bteaK1efajBmXnMWqkCxmxrHejgtRVNtlZbIeCI2zgJBbURm0ZLdidCA-1o5kTOYw8PuqUoH9xC0D-VRXTnuiFv5KkAXqozWrY3aK_hhXLL_O5FmG1hCLHwVjbAeXbRP3v0/w640-h529/Screen+shot+2014-07-12+at+4.59.30+PM.png)
But, I must admit I tried to blend colors on the sixth bag and ended up with the dreaded blackish brownish bag!! That could be a result of my rapid fire dye squirting! Patience is not always one of my virtues when I craft! ;)
After adding the gel just squish away to blend both ingredients together. I added a piece of clear packing tape to the top so nothing will come oozing out!
Here is a close up of two of my favorites.
Next up we have the rice bags:
![Rice Sensory Bags for K-1 Rice sensory bags](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqlJ9y7ZfUy_JJgvgeVKNzsNOkzOw-XJHhLYoBToqd2j8SMdJXwUZpDfwPS7DBFBgsxRfPtZayghXrK_z0e_fPQKgH41k4zT-wfaFHpTO_4xuzcLabKkvA3aLLFaufhHK9AlNOhaoihFA/w640-h564/Screen+shot+2014-07-12+at+5.00.02+PM.png)
To dye the rice, I put a few tablespoons of water, a squirt of dye and a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol into a tupperwrare container. Next, I added about 1 1/2 - 2 cups of rice. For the first batch, I put the cover on and shook the container. The results were not pretty. After that I used a spoon to stir it together. This was a lot faster and way neater too!
Once I created a hue I liked, I drained off the liquid and put it in a bag. However they were way too wet. Since it was so gorgeous out I decided to use the sun! I spread each color on a paper towel (in a very thin layer) and let them sit outside for 10 minutes.
Lastly, they went into the bags and were taped up as well!
I wasn't sure that I was going to like how the rice worked, but I have to say it works well and feels so cool! I think these will be an excellent tool in stations and reading groups this year!
I love them, especially the gel ones. I thought of doing this with glue last year but was so afraid the bags would leak. Keep us posted on how they hold up.
ReplyDeleteMels
Thanks! Ooh, I never thought of glue, I wonder how that would work? They actually held up great in the past, as long as I really modeled drawing with the pad of the finger vs the nail! :)
DeleteI love these sensory bags and am wondering if I could use them as a station with my Grade 1's (I am moving to Grade 1 for the first time ever!) Thanks for the clear instructions and tips (like the packing tape!). I am happy that you are moving pack to K : )
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I have actually used them with first graders in the past and they really like it! :)
DeleteI love the hair gel bags! I do this in my class as well. I have toddlers and we typically just use the bags a sensory items and squish away! The rice is a neat idea too. I may have to try that!
ReplyDelete-Sarah
I did see the ones with objects in them, they look so fun! The rice is great for the tactile aspect! :)
DeleteJust love these:) Like so much I want one of my own to play with ..lol;0) Thanks for linking up:)
ReplyDelete4th Grade Frolics
Thanks! I must admit, they are rather addicting to play with!!
DeleteWish I could pin this post! Love the rice idea as an alternative to OG sand trays.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The sand trays can get a bit messy!
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