What does that opened box of rice and energetic kids have in common? Play time! A simple setup using rice, muffin pan, and basic kitchen items will keep your kiddos busy for quite a while. Check off your to-do list or play along, mama. Rice play muffins coming right up!
Alright, what do you really need as a mom right now?
No, I’m talking beyond the idea of adding more hours to the day and wishing for a magic wand to clean the kitchen.
You, like me and all other moms out there, are needing one thing:
To keep our kids BUSY!
We’re all trying to keep up as we:
- juggle kids on extended breaks from school due to exposures
- balance work from home and mom life
- endure more inside time with energetic toddlers
As I type this, I’m listening to my kiddos “play” in the other room. We’ve been home from school the past few days with the normal, common cold symptoms (and I’m sure you can relate to the extra stress and work that brings in this day and age).
We’ve already done all the things.
And throw two consecutive snow days on top of that…whew!!
New play ideas are a must-have!
Easy Play Idea for everyone
Play with siblings can be challenging to due ages and interests…or from what I hear from the other room, a shortage of that one toy!
So if you’re like me, you long for activities that:
- don’t involve screen time (save that for later mama!)
- use equipment we already have (inexpensive!)
- keep attention spans
- entertains multiple ages at once
I’m sharing one solution today that overcomes these struggles!
Rice Play Muffins
Rice play muffins, or simply rice muffins as we call them, are so much fun! A take on sensory rice play, this incorporates the concept of baking and kitchen play.
We LOVE to bake. But sometimes, it’s nice not having to worry about rules, ingredients, and warm ovens. Here, they get to take the lead and play while using all those fascinating kitchen tools!
Sit back or engage with them, this activity will be a happy afternoon pastime for all.
What items do I need?
- Rice— This is the base of this tactile play activity; any dried rice works
- Silicone mini muffin pan— I recommend this silicone muffin pan –it’s safe and forgiving, and also quiet
- Sprinkle Bottle— We used an empty sprinkle bottle to hold our “sprinkles.” I recommend one that has top where you can adjust pour size
- Measuring spoons– to measure and pour
- Beads, optional — These make the “Sprinkles.” I used a random case we had on hand from Michael’s. My daughter was determined to have googly eye sprinkles (because who doesn’t want googly eyes on their rice muffins?!)
- Shallow container – I used assorted size silicone bakeware to hold the rice.
What substitutions can I make?
- Rice— on a whim you could even use oatmeal or cornmeal.
- Muffin pan— use regular sized muffin pan or similar pan
- Sprinkle Bottle— you can buy a shaker bottle or also use a bowl to hold “sprinkles”
- Beads— if your little one isn’t quite ready for beads (safety first!) consider something else. I just ordered these mini pom poms and I’m so excited because they also won’t roll off the table as easily.
- Container— My kids prefer to stand at a table like when we are baking. But consider using a bigger tub or under bed storage bin. This would create more of a rice sensory bin and might save you some mess. You could even use a rice table if you have one.
How do you play with Rice?
There’s no wrong way to play! Here’s how we get started:
- Gather supplies
- Pour desired amount of rice into tubs or bins.
- Have kids fill sprinkle container with beads
- Demonstrate how to “scoop” rice into muffin pan
- Demonstrate how to Sprinkle with beads
- Encourage and allow free play– you never know what else they will create!
- When finished, pour rice and beads (separately or together) in airtight bin or storage bag.
Embrace the Mess
Messes are going to happen. Let’s face it, that’s how play works. I will urge to keep a couple things in mind:
- Messes in your home mean that you’re living and making memories
- Cleaning up can also become part of play
Hopefully you’ll find these tips helpful as well:
Tips/Tricks
- Place blanket, sheet or disposable tablecloth under table or sensory bin to cover large play area and catch mess; fold up corners and shake out rice outside for fast clean up
- Encourage gentle play, reminding kids that they are “baking” and need to follow kitchen rules
- Nice weather? Take this activity outside!
- Leave rice in bin and cover with lid for future play. Or dump rice into airtight bag or container for next time. I cannot recommend these oversize Ziploc storage bags enough. Here, I just dumped the rice right out of the silicone bans into the bag, zipped and put in pantry for next time.
- Oh, and if rice has been licked or got wet, throw away!
Now, I’m sure you have several questions about rice play. Let’s discuss them together.
Is it safe for babies to play with rice?
I will caution that uncooked rice can be considered a choking hazard for babies. Therefore, this activity is probably best geared towards 12 months and up.
That being said, rice play for babies can be fun. With supervision, you could put some on a pan and allow them to explore (sans beads). I did that with my kiddos and their reactions were priceless!
Is it safe for toddlers to play with rice?
Rice Play is ideal for toddlers. Since it involves children using their senses, this activity enhances brain development. Good Start Early Learning states that sensory play:
- develops language
- develops motor skills–picking up grains, scooping, pouring, shaking!
- encourages scientific thinking and problem solving
And here, by using baking items and talking about muffins, they learn kitchen concepts, too!
How do you play sensory rice?
There are no rules to rice play– play any way you want! Today I’ve shown you how to “Make muffins” but let your imagination run wild.
Rice is captivating, inexpensive, and fun— even I enjoy getting down on the floor and playing too!
Full Hands & Heart
I hope this rice play idea makes the day a bit easier. Creating pockets of time to work, for a quick workout or enjoy a book is crucial for your health, mama. Even 15 minutes of uninterrupted time refuels the soul! And it feels so good to watch your kids have fun and learn new things together!
Looking for an easy dinner idea? I suggest:
- Healthier sloppy joes
- Easy Marinara Sauce on top of pasta noodles
Please let know if you have any questions. And I would love to hear about your sensory rice play. What items did you use? Did your kids take interest? What other tips or tricks can you share with others?
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