Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Play time: Water beads

I've been reading about water beads for sensory play and finally figured out what water beads are. They are small polymer beads that expand greatly in water.  They come in a rainbow of colors, are meant for flower cuttings/soilless plant growing, and they are very inexpensive. 


Mixed up a first batch.  The packet on the left is 3 grams.  The bowl on the right is two packets worth, soaked in water for 2 hours.  They swell for 4 hours, so they probably could get bigger.


I set out the beads with some bowls and spoons as a first foray into water bead play.  No explanation, just the invitation.


The girls LOVED it, and played for about 45 minutes.  First, exploration, "They feel squishy, they feel slippery, they bounce, they shoot when I squeeze them, they tickle. " Then projects. Pouring into bowls, mixing, spooning, bouncing. Then gear shifting as we put them in baggies to squish around.


Finally moved it outside to the water table.  Lots of giggles, lots of good fun.  And they watered the potted plants, placing many of the water beads right where they're "supposed" to go.

We had so much fun and I bought so many packets, we'll share the love and try a McMiller PDX giveaway.  I'll mail a packet to the first 10 people who leave a comment.

9 comments:

TopHat said...

I'll take one!

IB Mom said...

Mail one my way (and tell me where you find more, these look fun!).

Katie said...

We love water beads... although, there is NO WAY we could ever play with them inside! They're far too fun to bounce and smash for inside play. :)

Sharon and Matt said...

Sounds fun!!!! We'd love to try them! Thx

Carol said...

Looks like fun for the little ones and the big ones!!!

Christie said...

Woot! Those water beads look awesome!

Dr. A said...

OK, 3 more left... Carol, you want some, yes? And there was one response on FB. Who else wants to play with some beads?

Kathleen said...

/wave

Dr. Powell said...

Pick US!!! Ev would love these!!!