a pretty little mess

I'm not one to shy away from a little mess (if you are this might not be the thing for you) so bring on the rainbow rice!

This is a pretty popular activity that most teachers are very familiar with (my Kindergarten class LOVED this activity), but I thought I'd write about it because it's just so darn fun....and cheap...and easy.

If you have a toddler and you haven't tried this - go for it.  You won't be disappointed.  It'll keep your little one occupied, but you might just end up playing in it right beside them.  It's fun!  Provided you own a broom - I think you'll love it!

Here's what you need (you may have it all in the pantry)!
White rice ~ we went big and got a 20lb bag
Food Coloring ~ we love this gel variety but I'm sure anything works
Vinegar
Large ziploc bags ~ or small depending upon the amount you're making

All you have to do is:
Measure 4 cups of rice into each bag
mix 1/4 cup vinegar with a nice blob of food coloring to reach desired color
add colored vinegar to your rice and shake, shake, shake
WAIT
It takes about 4 hours to dry in the open ziploc bags BUT if you're impatient like we are, it only takes 15 minutes in a 225 degree oven.

PLAY, PLAY, PLAY,
preferably on a hard wood floor,
SWEEP, SWEEP, SWEEP
and
REPEAT.

The bonus here - it's edible - though definitely not tasty.  Pickled rice anyone?