Create a vibrant, multi-colored rice bin for tactile play. Kids will learn about colors and enjoy a soothing sensory experience while exploring different textures.

Tools

• Ziploc bags (6)
• Tray or baking sheet

Materials

• Uncooked white rice (6 cups)
• White vinegar (6 teaspoons)
• Food coloring (6 different colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• Aluminum foil (1 large sheet)
• Plastic bin or activity table (1)

Safety

• Adult supervision required when handling food coloring and vinegar.
• Rice is a choking hazard for very young children; supervise play closely.
• Ensure children do not ingest the colored rice.
• Do not eat or drink any materials used in this project.
• Protect work surface. Materials may stain clothing.
• Adult supervision required for children under 8.

Steps

1. Line your tray or baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
2. For the first color, pour 1 cup of rice into a Ziploc bag.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar and a few drops of your chosen food coloring into the same bag.
4. Seal the bag tightly and shake it vigorously until all the rice is evenly coated in color. Make sure to push the rice into the corners of the bag to avoid clumps of dye.
5. Pour the colored rice out onto the foil-lined tray and spread it out in a thin layer to dry.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the remaining five colors of the rainbow.
7. Allow all the rice to dry completely. This ensures the color stays on the rice and does not transfer to fingers during play.
8. Once dry, pour all the different colored rice into your plastic bin or activity table, mixing them slightly or layering them to create a rainbow effect.