DIY Dyed Rice

Dyed rice is a great sensory item to make at home for your child. This easy to make dyed rice can be used in a variety of ways at home or in a classroom.

Don't worry it is simple to make dyed rice. For this activity you will need rice, rubbing alcohol and food coloring. I like to do this activity outside on a sunny day. It helps speed up the drying process. However, it can be done inside as well.

To begin, add rice to a ziploc bag. Then add the rubbing alcohol and food coloring of choice. For each cup of rice you will add approximately 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol. When adding the food coloring start with 10 drops and add more if you want a deeper color.

Next, you simply shake the bag of rice, you can use your hands to spread the liquid out evenly around the rice. Add more rubbing alcohol or food coloring if needed. Once you are happy with the color, spread the rice out on a piece of cardboard. I made use of a delivery box that I have and reuse for projects like this. Allow the rice to dry before placing it in a container or ziploc bag to use with your child.

Ways to use dyed rice with your child

1. Use the dyed rice in a large container, Provide your child with toy construction truck. They can scoop up the rice with the bucket and drive the trucks around the bin.
2. Add rice to a bin and provide a variety of bowls, measuring cups and funnels. Allow children to explore the rice by picking up and dumping the rice into the different containers. You can encourage your child by asking them questions. Example: How many 1/2 cups do you think will fit in that cup?
3. Combine a variety of colors of dyed rice to create rainbow rice.
4. Add the dyed rice to an empty, dry water bottle to make a music shaker. Be sure to seal the bottle to prevent your child from opening it. You can add a band of glue around the outside of the cap.
5. While painting a picture add dyed rice to the wet paint. Add the corresponding dyed rice to the paint color to make a textured art masterpiece. You can also add the rice to any art work using Elmer's glue.
6. Add some dried rice with playdough. This is great for sensory play and also can be used for imaginary play.
7. Spread some rice in a shallow bin or lid. Provide you child with flashcards with letters or words on them. Have your child practice forming letter and words with their finger or an unsharpened pencil