Is there a toddler on earth who does not love the gumball machine? I don’t think so. My toddler loves plugging in the quarters, turning the knob, and watching the gumball drop. We currently reserve a quarter each time we go for a grocery run. So, I thought of recreating the gumball machine as a learning tool for him at home.
Materials needed for this activity:
- Gallon Ziploc bag
- 1 tbsp hair gel
- 1 tbsp water
- Water beads
- Permanent markers
- Dry-erase marker
1 tbsp of beads would be enough for this activity. Soak the beads for 4-6 hours to grow to their fullest size. I normally soak it overnight, as it is ready to go in the morning when we need it.
Use hand sanitizer to clean off the label.
Draw a picture of the gumball machine and bowl on the Ziploc bag.
PRO TIP: Use permanent markers to draw the gumball machine. Add 1 tbsp hair gel to the bag followed by 1 tbsp of water.
Close the bag and mix the gel and water.
Now add the water beads to the bag. I would recommend adding the beads little by little so it’s just enough to fill the gumball machine.
Cut a small strip of the clear tap and tape it across the bottom of the machine drawing.
Use the dry-erase marker to write any number on the tape.
The children can guide the matching number of gumballs to the bowl through the gumball machine.
This is a great activity for preschoolers or even toddlers who are working on their counting. Other skills covered in this activity:
- Fine motor skills
- Focus and Hand-eye-coordination
- Math (counting)
The Ziploc bag can be stored and used again whenever you are reviewing numbers or just as an activity to work on their little fingers.
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