Ice Painting with Gelatin

[20 Minutes]

Help your child develop creativity as you paint together with ice cubes and gelatin. It's fun to experiment with a new art material!

You'll need:

• ice cube tray • craft sticks • powdered gelatin (any flavors) • water • white paper

What to do:

1. Fill an ice cube tray with water and cover the top with foil. Insert craft sticks into each section. Freeze overnight.
2. Place a white sheet of paper in front of your child. Sprinkle a small amount of powdered gelatin on the paper. Use several flavors if you wish.
3. Invite your child to paint over the gelatin with an ice cube "paintbrush."
4. What happens?
5. Encourage her to make pretty designs and patterns. Name the colors you see.
6. Sing a song together and learn about colors at the same time (Tune: "Are You Sleeping?/Frere Jacques"):

   I can paint red.
   I can paint red,
   With gelatin and ice,
   With gelatin and ice.
   It smells just like a cherry.
   It smells just like a cherry.
   And tastes good too,
   And tastes good too!

7. Continue with other verses about colors and flavors:

   I can paint blue...It smells just like a blueberry
   I can paint yellow...It smells just like a lemon
   I can paint orange...It smells just like an orange
   I can paint green...It smells just like a lime

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Is it fun to paint this way?
• Do you like smelling your painting?
• Where would you like to hang this painting so everyone can see it?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills, language skills and the senses.