Candy Cane Goop

One of my first memories of preschool was a large sensory table filled with goop. If you have never experienced goop now is the time. Goop is made by combining cornstarch and water. When held in your hand it will feel hard but as soon as you open your fingers it oozes out. Goop has some sort of magical powers over children (and this adult!). It is both mesmerizing and relaxing.

Today we are turning it up a notch and making Candy Cane Goop. Children will enjoy the visual of red and white swirls and the yummy smells of the peppermint extract that fill the air.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CANDY CANE GOOP

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35 oz cornstarch
water
red food coloring
peppermint extract

AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT ENHANCED BY CANDY CANE GOOP

sensory exploration
language development
color exploration

HOW TO MAKE CANDY CANE GOOP

Begin by pouring the cornstarch into a large baking pan or plastic bin. Have your child add small amounts of water until you have a thick liquid consistency. The ratio will be about 2:1.

Add a few drops of red food coloring and let your child stir it together with a spoon or hands. Quinn said “Hey, it looks like the blood from my finger prick!”

Add about 5 drops of peppermint extract. Mmm, it makes the house smell so good!

Give your child time to simply explore. Focus the dialogue on the experience. “Look at the way the goop falls between your fingers!” “Funny, the goop used to be white and now it’s pink. What happened?”

Quinn played with the Candy Cane Goop for 30 minutes! He made up stories as he moved his hands around occasionally asking for a few more drops of food coloring. What a fun afternoon! The only warning when playing is that hands will be temporarily dyed red. It came out in the bath. Well worth it!