Kinetic sand is a fantastic way for kids to engage in sensory play! Sensory play is critical in the development of a young child’s brain as it: 1) supports language development, 2) helps build nerve connections in a child’s growing brain, 3) encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, 4) assists in fine motor skills development, 5) helps calm anxious children, 6) aids in children learning sensory attributes such as sticky, cold, dry, etc., and 7) enhances memory and cognitive development. Overall, there are so many positives involving sensory play. The most rewarding part is watching my kid play in it and smile so huge as the enjoyment factor is heightened.
This edible kinetic sand was such a hit when I made it for my two-year-old (who is now a five-year-old and still loves edible kinetic sand!) – it was almost as loved as my easy DIY Coral Reef Sensory Bin (which is edible BTW!). She pushes her cars and trucks in it, and we pretend it’s snow. We pretend like it’s snowing on her toys. I found it funny that she never put it in her mouth, but our dog sure likes eating the free floor samples! Although eating raw flour is not ideal, if a toddler accidentally eats a few pieces of this edible kinetic sand, all the ingredients are edible.
My Edible Kinetic Sand sensory craft contains flour, cornmeal, oil, and lite corn syrup, and is so quick and easy to make. There’s not point in spending a lot of money at the store to buy pre-made kinetic sand when you can make your own in about 5 minutes! It is so fun, even as an adult at my age, to play with the super fine texture of this sand! It’s super soft and fun to play with and I had a blast filming videos as I created this.
Popular items to play with also include sand castle toys such as a small toy shovel and sifter, as well as other sand toy molds (we have crab and fish for our toy molds from a sand pail package that I bought at Costco over the summer). You can find a lot of cheap summer kid’s toys at Dollar Tree and Walmart.
Benefits of sensory play
Sensory play is beneficial for toddlers and preschoolers, even older kids! Sensory bins stimulate multiple senses at the same time – including touch, sight, smell, and sound. They also improve fine motor skills as kids dig, scoop, squeeze, and grasp objects in the sensory bins. Sensory bins promote social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, cooperation with their peers, and communication among their friends, family, and parents.
According to Salus University Health’s article, they also support cognitive development as kids can sort hidden items by size and color. Placing letters and numbers inside the bin (like this alphabet sensory bin) can help kids learn the alphabet and numbers. Sensory bins are calming activities and provide a quite environment for children to play independently and calmly. Making my own DIY sensory bins is so much fun and to see the excitement it brings to my toddler makes it all worth it!
Items needed to make Edible Kinetic Sand
Flour. Any type of flour will work to make this edible kinetic sand craft.
Cornmeal. Cornmeal is needed to make the texture and color in this edible kinetic sand.
Oil. Any kind of oil will work.
Corn syrup. Light corn syrup helps bind the ingredients.
How to make the best Edible Kinetic Sand
STEP 1: Mix the flour, cornmeal, oil, and syrup in a storage bin or large mixing bowl. If it’s too dry, add more oil. I usually start mixing it with a wooden spoon then end up using my hands to blend it. Store in a large freezer bag or airtight container. If necessary, pour the mixture into a bin or container for kids to play.
STEP 2: If you make this kid’s craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Fine motor activity
Toss is some beach toys such as shovels, trowels, and cups or bowls and this is one fantastic fine motor activity that toddlers and preschoolers love! Kids will need to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers to squeeze handy scoopers and jumbo tweezers to pick up the sand, thereby improving their fine motor skills. My toddler daughter was motivated to build sandcastles, so she continued to fill up handy scoopers repeatedly, which was a terrific fine motor activity.
Recommended tools to make this craft
- Beach toys. This set of fun beach toys is the perfect way to set up a beach-themed invitation to play for children.
- Handy scoopers. Toddlers, including my own, love these handy scoopers. They’re the best fine motor activity for preschoolers. You can also use bowls, cups, or sand castle toys.
- Storage bin. I have so many of these storage bins and always use them for my [many] sensory bins.
More kid’s crafts you’ll love!
Easy DIY Coral Reef Sensory Bin
Baking Soda, Vinegar & Food Coloring Experiment
Fourth of July Patriotic Sensory Bin
DIY Spring Easter Grass Sensory Bin
Simple Fourth of July Kid’s Crafts
Easy Brown Bag Easter Bunny Craft
Easy DIY Handmade Mother’s Day Cards
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this edible kinetic sand, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this craft and always do my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Edible Kinetic Sand Kid’s Activity
Equipment
- Storage bin optional
- toy shovel and sifter optional
- handy scoopers optional
- sand castle toys optional
Materials
- 1 c flour
- 1 c cornmeal
- 2 tbsp oil any kind
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
Instructions
- Mix the flour, cornmeal, oil, and syrup in a storage bin or large mixing bowl. If it's too dry, add more oil. Store in a freezer bag or airtight container. If necessary, pour the mixture into a bin or container for kids to play.
- If you make this craft, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
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