This moon sand recipe is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Entertainment One and Scholastic. The opinions, photos, and text are all mine.
Playtime and creativity are such important parts of child development. Children can express feelings, problem solve, and communicate through play. In between piano lessons and swim team practice, I make it a point to set aside time for daily creative play. I find it just as important as making sure my child brushes her teeth or eats her veggies. They need that downtime to do some serious developmental and emotional growth.
Pre-motherhood, I was a social worker in the adoption field and quickly learned that play was the key to communication with kids. I always had a bag full of games, toys and art supplies that I schlepped with me to every home visit. My appreciation of play came in handy then and continues to come in handy now with my own children.
I’ve learned that play is a less invasive and more effective way to communicate with kids than straightforward questioning. Once, my preschooler came home from school upset, and I couldn’t get more than an “I dunno” when I asked what happened. It wasn’t until we both sat down to draw that she told me the story (well, drew the story), and we got it resolved.
Inspired by the PJ Masks children’s show, Entertainment One and Scholastic developed Mission to the Moon, a digital program about the power of play for preschool-age children (5 and under). The program uses the theme of the moon and space to provide parents with resources, tips, and stories to help them encourage playtime activities that foster curiosity, creativity, movement, social-emotional learning, social skills and educational development. My preschooler and I can’t wait to play! In the meantime, we whipped up a batch of moon sand (see recipe below). Make sure to visit Scholastic for more playtime ideas, like how to make your own straw rocket launcher.
INGREDIENTS
8 cups flour
1 cup baby oil
TUTORIAL
Step 1: Add 8 cups of flour to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add 1 cup of baby oil to the flour. Mix using a spatula or pastry cutter until fully combined.
Step 3: Place moon sand in a play tray or similar container.
Step 4: Add space toys and play, play, play! Feel free to put on an Owelette mask from PJ Masks and go on a mission to the moon!
Step 5: Enter Scholastic’s Mission to the Moon Sweepstakes! Visit the Scholastic Parents Facebook (@ScholasticParents) page to answer a new space-themed trivia question every day from 7/1 – 7/30. Answer the questions with your children and enter the responses on the Scholastic sweepstakes website. Participants will be entered for a chance to win a trip to New York for a family of four to visit New York City’s science museums. Runners-up will receive age-appropriate Scholastic books and space-themed toys.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 US & DC. 18+ with at least one child who is currently 12 years of age or younger at the time of entry. Void where prohibited. Click through for Official Rules.
PIN IT
You might also like these kid friendly craft ideas:
DIY Glitter Galaxy Slime, Calm Down Glitter Jar, DIY Bubble Wands
