Citrus fruits are good for you, smell amazing and can keep your child engaged for an afternoon of independent play at home! Here are three ways to use them!
1. Citrus Sensory Play
Here's What You Need:
a large shallow bin
slices of citrus (oranges, lemons, limes)
spoons
cups
collanders
citrus press (be sure to toss in some citrus halves if you have the press!)
Simply fill a bin with water, add some citrus slices, tools from the kitchen like spoons, cups, colanders, and whisks. Toss in some citrus halves along with a juicer to strengthen those muscles! Let the children explore with their senses. This sensory bin smells amazing! This is a taste safe sensory experience as well.
As time passes add a little extra splash of color with extra tubs of water! Turkey basters (not pictured) are a great way for the children to mix the colors. I chose yellow, green, and orange to bring out the colors of the fruit. But using primary colors is a great option too! Lots of color combinations can be discovered.
2. Lemon Volcanoes
Children love the chemical reaction they can create. You can give them some direction or just make the materials available (except the food coloring eek!) and let them experiment with them. They will be bursting to tell you what they found out!
Here's what you need:
Citrus Halves
Baking Soda
Dish Detergent
Food Coloring or liquid water colors (optional)
Spoon or Craft Stick
Art Tray to contain the mess
Choose a citrus half. Add a few drops of food color, and a squeeze of dish detergent. Sprinkle some baking soda over the top, and use a spoon or craft stick to smush the fruit and watch the magic happen!
3. Citrus Printing
The result of these prints is absolutely gorgeous. Once the paintings are dry, place them in a frame for a beautiful piece of art to display in your home. You could even use the painting as a background and place a photo of your child in the center! What a great gift for family!
Here's What You Need:
Citrus Halves
Small Paper Plates
Tempera Paint
Yellow
Green
Orange
Large White Paper
Pour some paint on each paper plate. Dip your citrus half in the paint and press onto a large piece of paper. The more you press, the more detailed the print will be! Look at this gorgeousness! I love the summer colors!
