Water Beads are tiny water-retaining polymers, just like contact lenses. They are safe for play, but not recommended for ingestion. I used these in my classroom several years ago and just recently spotted them in stores (located near vases/fake flowers - Walmart, Michaels Craft Store, Target, etc). Woo-hoo! They can also be ordered from numerous web sites. There are different brands and some stain more than others, but the stains do come off the skin (not sure about clothes - didn't pay attention to that). The beads begin small and then expand as they start to retain the water. We didn't measure anything - you can pour off the excess water. This was a super fun sensory activity! My son is 2 years old here. We recommend supervision for small children who are still exploring with their mouth.
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| They start out small |
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| They get larger as they hydrate |
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| So fun! |
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| They come in lots of colors |
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| fabulous sensory experience! |
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| They look amazing on the light panel!! |
Of all the things we have explored in the sensory table, this is by far his favorite to date....and believe me, we have put A LOT of things in the sensory table. We had to get more colors today! FUN!
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Hooray, you have a blog! I've been wanting to get these water beads since the moment I saw them on your FB page. The look fabulous. Love the light table combination, as well! I really want my husband to build a light table for us!!! Thank you for sharing all your fabulous ideas!
ReplyDeleteAfter I saw this on your FB, I posted pictures of my Love Bug playing with them - all of my friends with kids have gone out and got them. I see Water Beads sales everywhere sky rocketing!
ReplyDeleteI have to ask what exactly are these made of? What is the source of the coloring? I have looked around and it seems that I can only find chemical companies as the sources of man-made polymers.
ReplyDeleteThe same material that contact lenses are made of.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a light table. Wonder if I put the overhead projector on the floor....
ReplyDeleteWe included this activity in our 'treasury' of unique sensory play ideas at our blog, MPM School Supplies Blog! We were sure to give photo/idea credit, as well as a link back to your site, but we'd love your feedback!
ReplyDeletePlease let me know if there are any problems!
Thanks so much,
Kayla Johnson
THANK YOU! :)
ReplyDeletehas anyone else had them go moldy? I don't know if it is just my house or if it is common...how about slimy? After a day or so they seemed slimy.
ReplyDeleteI just had that problem. Did you figure out a way to prevent it?
Deletehow do I make a light table or where do you get one? This is a awesome idea for sensory therapy for my autistic daughter
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had some go slimy - particularly is I leave them outside. - AK
ReplyDeleteThis was a fantastic idea! You inspired me to try them for myself with my little boy. I blogged about the activity here if you would like to check it out: http://youllthankmeoneday.blogspot.com/2011/09/try-this-seriously.html
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the light table, or do you have instructions on how to make one? Thank you,
ReplyDeleteI did this today with my 21m old. Her first response was to methodically pick up each bead and squish it to smithereens. Then, she stripped off all her clothes and diaper and climbed in!! She loved it! Boy do those little balls bounce all over when excited hands slosh them out of the water table! Thanks for sharing. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have found that I can't leave them outside (in the heat) or they do get a bit "off". WHat seems to prolong their lifespan is if, after playing with them, I bring them inside, dump them into a colander, and rinse them off with clean, cold water, as well as rinsing out the bin. It seems to help get rid of the dirt and debris from all of those little (and big) hands.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a light table, but a great way to play with these at night is to get a few of the ball-shaped, battery operated submersible LED lights. It getting darker earlier here, and this has been a huge hit in the neighborhood when I bring them out!
I explored water beads with my 10 month old little guy! So fun. Thank you for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteI just started a blog about my play explorations with my baby boy... please tell me what you think!
http://magendi.blogspot.com/
We tried these water beads over the summer and they were great even for the grown-ups to feel. Wonderful therapy for arthritic hands.
ReplyDeleteAgain we hydrated some more for her birthday party last weekend. The kids loved feeling, mixing colors, smashing, bouncing, adding more water, etc. Many thanks for the inspiration.
After our first play time with them - we kept them hydrated for a week or two. Then it took well over a week to dry them all out in the sun on cookie sheets.
Do you have any suggestions on drying them out to store for another time?
I found some at walmart but it has a warning on it that says they contain chemicals known by the state of california to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. Yet they also say non toxic. Are these really safe for kids to play with? It looks like so much fun, but the warning has me worried.
ReplyDeleteSo...I don't have the money for a light table. I also don't have the time or the inclination to make a proper light table. Instead, I used a "clear" 14" x 24" storage container with a "clear" lid. I secured two tap lights (the little lights that you can put anywhere because they're battery operated) to the bottom with adhesive that comes with the lights. My 2-year-old daughter doesn't know that she's playing with the poor man's version of a light table...she just knows that we're doing something we've never done before and we're spending more quality time together than we ever have. I'd say that's pretty priceless!
ReplyDeleteIf you are worried about ingestion, how about cooking up a pot of big tapioca balls?
ReplyDeleteIf you are worried about ingestion, how about cooking up a pot of big tapioca balls?
ReplyDeleteDo these sensory balls last a while or are they a one time time thing and then you have to throw them out?
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you for introducing me to this awesome media--I had no idea such a thing existed until I saw your wonderful blog header and had to know what it was! We're having a great time with them (I blogged about it today if you'd like to see.)
ReplyDeleteAre you concerned with the chemicals and dyes? Not sure what these are made of, or that I'd want my little one soaking that up on her skin. =/
ReplyDeleteI found you through Pinterest. I'm super excited about what you're doing. My site lines up exactly with your goals. I'd love for you to visit sometime: http://www.meaningfulmama.com
ReplyDeletei work at a day care with 18-24 months olds are the beads ok for them to play with?
ReplyDeleteThey are okay for a 12 month to play with, just make sure they don't ingest them
DeleteHow do you keep the beads clean for multiple use by multiple children and avoid any mold or mildew growth?
ReplyDeleteI have found that sometimes even after only one full day of just plain after play, the water in the water bin starts to smell odd....
Just wondering before we invest in these.
Rinse, drain, store in an open container and rehydrate as needed. You can also add some lavender oil which acts as a natural antimicrobial.
DeleteYes, washing is the key, especially when people are touching them a lot.
ReplyDeleteThere are different qualities for sure. Most of the ones that say they contain dangerous chemicals is due to the coloring if they are the type that does not hold their color (bleed issue)
Heat is bad for all brands, even the most durable and color fast like http://waterbeads4plants.com
I have numerous school teachers using these as educational tools in the plant side (watch the roots grow) and my son loves to watch his expand and contract.
I add battery operated tea-lights to the water beads. I love the look!
ReplyDeleteI love the way your explored color and water in this post.
ReplyDeleteI would love for you to link up to my Outside Play: Water link up. http://www.jdaniel4smom.com/2012/07/outside-play-water-old-macdonalds-beach.html
I purchase some water beads 5 days ago from this site and was wondering when they would be here? Thanks!
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