Easy Kitchen Art with Kids

When grandchildren or cousins visit, adults can be prepared in just a few minutes by using some simple art recipes that have been handed down through generations of teachers. The recipes use ingredients found in the kitchen and are easy and entertaining for children. These activities provide an excellent time to talk, an important first step to reading.
Cornstarch Recipes

   Rainbow Stew produces a fun rainbow effect of changing colors. There is no mess involved. Mix together 1/3-cup sugar, 1-cup cornstarch, 4 cups cold water and 3 drops of different colored food coloring. Mix together the first three ingredients and heat on the stove with low heat stirring constantly until thick.  Place in several zip lock bags when cool.  Add different food colorings and squish around. This is a good time to explain primary colors: yellow, red and blue. They will make the secondary colors of orange, green, and purple when pressed together.
  Oobleck is an old favorite. Is it a liquid or a solid?  Mix ½ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup water and add 2 drops of food coloring. Mix together cornstarch and water on a cookie sheet with raised edges or a cake pan.  This is easier than a bowl.  Add the food coloring.  Then take a small handful and let it drip and splat on the table. Pick it up again. Stretch it. Pull it into various shapes. Squeeze it through holes. Sometimes it will feel like a solid. Sometimes it will drip like a liquid. Stay in the kitchen to play.  This can get a bit messy. Store in a zip lock bag.
Kitchen Paints 
This next paint is edible so everyone can lick their fingers and their creation.

Children can paint with clean watercolor brushes or finger paint it on waxed paper, tin foil, or cookie sheets. The mixture can also be placed in a small tough freezer bag with a small hole for squeeze- bag painting.
  Cake Paint is delicious. Mix 1 package cake mix and required water on the package.  Add 1/3 cup vegetable or as stated on the package.  Do not add eggs since the mixture will not be cooked before eaten. Divide the mixture into small portions and add desired food colorings. When children tire of painting they can let it dry which takes a few days or eat their artwork.
Pudding Finger Paint is also easy.  Make a package of pudding mix.  Divide into smaller portions. Children can add food coloring and finger paint. If toddlers are using this paint, put on a bib, as food coloring will stain clothes.
Pictures: Mark Nowicki
Photos: Fran Darling, fdarling fotos

More Ideas and Activities....See the authors’ book “Learning Through the Seasons” at area bookstores and grandparentsteachtoo.org. For more help to prepare young children for success in school see the authors’ web site: www.grandparentsteachtoo.org. Also check our audio Podcasts WNMU Radio 90; Youtube video activities; and join us on Pinterest