Nontoxic Sensory Goo Bags

I love the concept of sensory bags for discovery play. Prior to becoming a postpartum Doula, I was a certified K-12 art teacher. The importance of discovery and sensory play is crucial. My son is at the age where sensory bags are now applicable. Many people are familiar with these easy toys. Typically they are made by placing trinkets in a freezer bag filled with inexpensive hair gel and sealed around the edges with duct tape.While the idea of inexpensive hair gel does work, I wanted to find a non-toxic solution. My active son would be the type to try and rip open the bag. I thought I would share this alternative with you. It is just as easy and cheaper than hair gel!
Enjoy!

Materials
Cornstarch- a 16 oz. box will make 8-12 sensory bags depending on how much goo you place in each bag. Much cheaper then dollar store hair gel.
Sauce pan
Water
Spoon
Food coloring - optional
Soft Trinkets- sharp edges can rip the big from the inside
Large ziploc bags
Duck tape - got mine at the dollar store

Nontoxic goo recipe
1/4 a c cornstarch
3 cups water
Food coloring

1. Place water in a sauce pan and add the cornstarch.
2. Turn the burner on to medium heat and begin stirring the solution. You want all the Klumps to dissolve. It will turn a solid white color, looking like milk.
3. Stir the solution every minute or so. It will change color to a more clear consistency.
4. Continue stirring until it comes to a boil. You will see a small bubbles begin to form around the edge, this tells you it is almost at a full boil.
5. once it reaches a full boil, turn off the burner.
6. Let it cool completely. I transferred mine into a separate bowl, because I wanted to make two batches so I could have a variety of colors.
**** stir the solution sporadically while it is cooling. A film forms on the top that you want to continuously dissolve into the rest of it.
7. Once it is completely cooled, spoon the goo into your large plastic Ziploc bags. Add glitter, trinkets, and a few drops of food coloring.
**** you do not have to use food coloring if you do not want. Here is one just made with glitter.
8. Once your bag is filled, squeeze out extra air and close. Be sure to tape over the Ziploc. I prefer taping all of the edges for extra stability. I noticed it's easiest to first tape the top and bottom and then tape the sides.
No let's the discovery play begin!

Suggestion - place these in the frig for a bit to give them the sensation of cold.
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