Frozen Animal Egg Sensory Play
O. Fred Donaldson once said “Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn”. As a teacher, I have the distinct privilege of watching students learn every day. I have a front row seat to “a-ha” moments, eyes lighting up, hands shooting into the air, and that light bulb moment when you get something for the first time. I have the honor of being there for it all, the struggles, the work, the moments when they want to give up, and finally those sweet, sweet moments when they get it. I get to be the cheerleader and their biggest fan. I know the importance of child development. I know the often extremely underestimated importance of PLAY. I longed for the days when Millie and I could play. Where I could have that same honor and privilege of watching my own daughter experience those moments. Dear Lord, I never knew I could love summer so much.
This past weekend it was HOT…. HOT HOT, feels like temperature of over 100 degrees HOT. So, keeping cool was a must! I have been looking for sensory activities and developmental activities to do together. In my search, I stumbled upon this activity to create frozen dinosaur eggs. Such a simple idea, but PERFECT. A few days before, I had dropped an ice cube on the floor. Millie loved trying to grab it as it would slide away and feeling the cold and wet on her hands. It was a perfect moment of curiosity and learning, so I knew that this could be a great activity for her.
The steps are super simple! We didn’t have dinosaurs laying around so I used these safari animals I had gotten in a kit. I selected the smallest ones of the bunch and carefully stuffed each one into a balloon. Using a water balloon nozzle, I filled the balloons up and tied them. Next, I placed them in a Tupperware container so they wouldn’t lose their shape on the bars of the freezer shelf and slipped them into the freezer. After about 8 hours, we pulled three out to see. This is definitely an outside activity! We took three frozen animal eggs onto our porch and peeled the balloon layer off. These eggs were interesting because they weren’t completely frozen. This allowed Millie the opportunity to play with them and quickly realize that she could get the animals out. This worked in our favor later once the eggs were totally frozen.
We have done this a few times since. Each time we use them in a different way. We have taken them into her small pool to play with. She has put them into her water table. She has played with them in a small container. She has rolled them on the ground. She has poured water over them and felt the excitement of finally getting that animal out of the frozen prison it was stuck in.
Play is important. In this simple activity, she was working on so many skills. We worked on both fine and gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and cognitive development. This activity can be modified in lots of ways depending on the level of the children you are doing the activity with. As Millie gets older, we will definitely do this again. Allowing her to explore how to get the animals out quicker. Using things like spray bottles, tools to dig, etc. to try and solve the problem.
What things do you enjoy doing on hot summer days? Do you have play memories you like to recreate from your childhood? Let us know if you try this one out!
Here’s to pursuing a present, simple life by living intently and always remembering what matters and what doesn’t. Remember to give yourself grace and permission to enjoy the journey. I’m always in your corner, cheering you on, and pulling for you friend!
With love always, Madison
