Taste-Safe Sensory Play-JELLO

In this BLOG post I will teach you how to make JELLO to use in a taste-safe sensory set-up.

If you are looking for a colorful, fun and completely taste-safe sensory bin, I have the perfect set-up for you!

This is so fun and engaging for kids of all ages. The blocks are firm, but smooth and you can use them to build, squish, squeeze or stack. They are so satisfying to smoosh and a true sensory seekers dream!

You can make one color or explore the rainbow. You can make them scented or keep them bland to discourage tasting. You can add them into a theme you are learning about or simply let them dive in and explore.

The possibilities for learning and play are truly endless!

Why do you need a taste-safe option?

Great question, I am so glad you asked!

There are toddlers, kids, teens and adults who are still exploring with their mouths.

Typical sensory play can obtain items that are not safe for consumption or that are choking hazards.

This is safe for consumption, but keep in mind that even though something is taste-safe/edible, I still discourage children from eating and set boundaries. I use the phrase "Not food!' I do not tell the child that it is edible, and I do not encourage them to eat it. If they do decide to explore it with their mouths, I do not have to panic, because it is taste-safe.

Providing taste safe options is something that allows those still exploring with their mouths access to sensory play in a safe and manageable way. If they do taste it, it is safe. It is less for the kids and more for the adults who are providing the play opportunities.

It gives us peace of mind.

It gives us options.

It allows us to include everyone.

What are the Benefits of JELLO sensory play:

• Fine & Gross Motor Skills: As the child squishes and squeezes, they are developing their finger and hand muscles. Those same finger and hand muscles are responsible for self-help skills such as: feeding yourself, zippering your coat and holding a pencil during writing! Messy play can also help support spatial awareness, balance & coordination.

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Hand-eye coordination is simultaneously using your hands & your eyes for a task. Strong hand-eye coordination helps you with tasks such as feeding yourself, coloring in the lines & pouring a drink in a cup.

• Bilateral coordination: Using both sides of the body to complete a task. Kids are doing this while they squish and smoosh and push and play.

•  Cognitive development refers to how a child acquires and understands information; how they think, learn and problem solve. There are many opportunities to develop cognitive development during messy play through problem solving and understanding cause/effect.

• Language Development: Messy play is SO good for supporting language development. There are opportunities to learn new words and practice phrases.

• Social Skills: Messy play can help to establish and strengthen social skills. Children will practice using their manners, sharing, turn-taking and having patience.

Materials:

• Sugar-free jello packet

• Sensory bin or baking dish

• Parchment paper

• Measuring cup

• Water

• Bowl/baking dish

• Mixing spoon

• Parchment paper

• Sensory tray or bowl

Step 1: Line the baking dish with parchment paper. Leave an overhang over the sides.

Step 2: Prepare the Jello according to package instructions.

Step 3: Pour the Jello mixture into the lined baking dish.

Step 4: Let sit in the refrigerator until firm, typically around 4-5 hours. 

Step 5: Once set, use the sides of the parchment paper to pull the Jello out of the dish.  Use a knife to cut the Jello into squares.

Step 6: Place in a sensory bowl or tray and PLAY!

*This recipe is for one batch. Repeat the instructions for multiple colors.

APFL Tips:

• If you use sugar-free JELLO, this will be less sticky!

• You can make all of the rainbow colors, but using one color is just as fun and effective.

• You can use 3-4 cubes to start. Place them in a bowl and let the child explore.

• See below for gelatin option.

• Keep a bowl of warm water and a towel next to you. Wash hands right were you are so JELLO doesn't drip on the floor as you walk to the sink.

• Pick a spot in your home that is your "sensory spot." This spot should be a safe spot to explore and play sensory set-ups. Pick a spot that is away from carpet and surfaces that stain easily.

Alternative to JELLO:

If you don't want to use JELLO, try making these blocks with clear gelatin. It creates the same soft and squishy blocks (they are actually firmer) without the sweet taste. This way, you can still provide a taste-safe option, but because it isn't as yummy, it will reduce the amount of eating as they explore.

For the gelatin:

1. Mix one package of Knox gelatin powder with 3 cups of boiling water. Stir well until dissolved.

2. Add 1 cup of cold water and mix well.

3. Add 5-10 drops of food coloring and mix well.

4. Line your dish with parchment and slowly pour the mixture in.

5. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours until solid.

Ways to Extend Your Learning and Play

• Use red, yellow and blue JELLO blocks and work on color theory. What happens when you mix yellow and red together? What about blue and red?

• Place objects in the JELLO before it sets. Once it sets, use tongs or your fingers to dig through and rescue the objects. This is such fun fine motor work! You can use plastic animals, legos, gems or pieces of fruit.

• Use a safety knife to work on cutting skills.

Clean up-tips:

• For easy clean up: keep wipes nearby, along with a plastic bag or trash bin to discard.

• Wear old clothes or a bathing suit and plan to head to the tub after this fun sensory play!

• Take it outdoors! Wash it off with a hose when you're done.

• Use an old beach towel or sheet under the bins to catch any spills.

How to encourage messy play?

• Start small. Put a tiny amount in a bowl and explore with it to see how it feels!

• Play with them! Roll up your sleeves and get messy with them.

• Let them know that getting messy is OK.

• Have a clean-up strategy so that they can wipe their hands quickly if it becomes too much. Maybe have a towel in their lap or wipes right next to them.

• Encourage starting with just one finger. "Poke the Chia Seed Slime with your pointer finger. How does it feel?"

You get to decide what is safe and manageable in your home. Always monitor children during play.

Are you looking for other JELLO sensory activities?

Check these out!

Jello Ocean Dig

JELLO Play Dough