CHILDREN’S
activities
HOMEMADE KALEIDOSCOPE:
Amaze your children with this easy, homemade kaleidoscope made from a Pringles can! These are so simple to make but very effective and entertaining for your kids.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: - Pringles can - Paint/ scrap paper/ stickers to decorate the can - Nail and hammer - Colourful tissue paper - Glue - Glitter
METHOD Decorate the outside of your can before constructing your kaleidoscope. This can be done with anything! If paint isn’t an option consider some scrap paper or stickers for the same effect. (Must be done by an adult). Pierce a small hole through the centre of the metal end of the can with a nail and hammer. This is the side you’ll be looking through.
HOMEMADE PAINT:
Get two activities for the price of one with making your own homemade paint! Children get both the satisfaction of helping you make the paint as well as the joy and creativity of actually using it. This method is cheap, non-toxic and, above all else, easy!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: - Salt - Flour - Water - Food colouring - Measuring cup - Mixing bowl - Bottle or container for storage
METHOD Combine even part of flour, water and salt in a mixing bowl. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on how much you have. Once all three ingredients are fully combined, pour into the appropriate number of paint containers for how many different colour options you have.
Cut your colourful tissue paper into small pieces and glue onto the inside of the clear lid. Arrange so that you’ll be able to see lots of the different colours. Add glitter!
Assign a colour to each container and squeeze a few drops of food colouring into each.
Once everything is dry, place the plastic lid back on the can and find a bright backdrop to look through your new kaleidoscope!
Shake the containers (or bottles) until colour distribution is even. If colour isn’t vibrant enough, feel free to add more. Use paint as usual! Note: paint may separate if left for a while but can be easily restored by shaking the container again. Paint will dry on paper as usual.
