MomSpeaker Jennifer Auer reminds us that to keep kids happily occupied, sometimes all it takes is a box of cornstarch, colored water and some inspirational words from Dr. Seuss.
“We’ll find something new to do now.
Here is lots of new blue goo now.
New goo. Blue goo.
Gooey. Gooey.
Blue goo. New goo.
Gluey. Gluey.” —Fox in Socks, Dr. Seuss
While I am sure this isn’t “something new” for many of you, rereading Fox in Socks did remind my son of one of his favorite craft activities. I had honestly forgotten about goo, the “solid-looking but liquid-acting” substance that would keep my son occupied for at least an hour at a time. I was more than happy to rediscover this silly substance and hoped my 2-year-old would be as fascinated with it as his big brother was. So if you are new to goo or it’s been a while since you made it (like it was for us), go for it. You can count on lots of giggles and fun.
There are quite a few different goo recipes out there. This is one is the cornstarch and water variety. Simple and quick to put together. Just grab some shallow pans (I use disposable pie plates), bowls, spoons, ladles — whatever your little goo master might like. My son brings out his toy mixer and blender; it adds to the mess, of course, but also to the fun.
How to make blue goo
Blue goo ingredients
- 16oz box cornstarch
- water
- food coloring (watch out for staining on the hands)
- bowl
Steps to make blue goo
- Empty the box of cornstarch into the bowl.
- Add 1½ cups water with food coloring already mixed in.
- Mix the goo with your hands (the kids will love the oozy feel).
- Have fun!
You’ll know you have the right consistency when the goo becomes hard to stir and feels solid to the touch but pours like a liquid. There’s actually some scientific reason behind it, but we never got past the fun to figure the rest out.
And yes, my little guy loved it and sat for close to an hour with his brother, squishing, pouring and scooping the goo up with their hands and dribbling it all over.
Jennifer Auer is a South Jersey mom. This post is adapted from her blog Jersey Family Fun.
