Mixing a bunch of different ingredients together to create a “potion” is a huge part of children learning to play with their senses! Some potions might be sticky, others might have a smell, a specific texture, and some may be extra smooth in the hands. No matter what kind of potion you make you’ll have fun doing it! Here is your guide to potion making with children!
General Rules to Follow
Avoid Toxic Substances
Young children tend to put things in their mouths. So when working with crafts, it’s a good idea to avoid anything that could be toxic to their systems. As children get older, you can introduce different items, but to start, use things that are non-toxic in your potions!
Work with what you have
You can create potions from a number of things you probably already have in your home! Experiment with different ratios of each ingredient!
- Glue
- Soap
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Flour
- Food Coloring
Incorporate Fun Colors
Play with different materials and see which items create which colors. This can also be a great way to teach children how different colors work with each other and make completely new ones!
Bowls, Cups, and Plates!
Make potions just about anywhere and in anything! Just be mindful how food coloring may stain and how clean up may impact your dishes differently. Worries about liquids spilling? Why not make your potions in old plastic water bottles and seal them with hot glue or tape to prevent spills?
Hot or Cold?
Working with materials that are different temperatures can be fun! For example, use warm water or water that has been in the fridge for a different sensory experience.
It will not be a Clean Task
Generally, potion making will make a mess. But let’s be honest, that’s half the fun! Plus when you use soap in your fizzy potion recipes, you might already be halfway to cleaning by the time you finish anyways!
Fun Recipes
Need some recipe inspiration? Not a problem! Here are our two favorite potion recipes you can try out at home!
Fizzy Foamy Fun
The base for this potion is a few tablespoons of baking soda, a few teaspoons of water, a half-cup of vinegar, and half a teaspoon of dish soap. Mix it all together and wait for the reaction to happen! Kids always love seeing and feeling all the bubbles form!
Whimsical Elixir
Get ready to add a little bit of zing into this next potion recipe with glitter! This majestic potion is perfect for storytelling and any child who loves magic! All you have to do is add a bit of glitter to your favorite recipe and watch the magic happen!
Now you have everything you need to make your very own fizzy potions at home! Share with us your favorite creations and stay tuned in to the Lightly Sketched blog for more fun creative activities to do with your kids!
