Slime for Valentine’s Day
Who doesn't like slime for Valentine's Day?
No, this isn't about Slimer, the ghost made up of pure ectoplasm and the first ghost captured by the Ghostbusters. Rather that ooey-gooey, slippery blob of runny fun. Count me in!
I know, I know, a traditional Valentine's Day usually involves flowers and romantic dinners, and typically NOT slime. You may think I am not a romantic, which is far from the truth. I love the Hallmark rom-com movies, roses, fine wine, and dinner out. However, let's save that for the significant other in our life. If you want to make a memory with your grandkids, then slime is a sure winner.
This typical messy play is fun and funny but offers many positive benefits to their development. Let's first talk about the opportunity for creativity and trying new experiences. After all, few other toys are just a blob. This independent play is only limited by their imagination, and the small muscles in their hands and fingers are strengthening without calling it exercise.
Forming numbers and making shapes with slime are just a few ideas to share if they need a little prompting. A perfect and easy shape would be a heart in honor of Valentine's Day. Really getting into it? Search for hidden treasures in slime. Tell the kids to search for a specific shape for this treasure hunt by pulling and stretching their slime until they discover it.
All you scientists out there know that slime is actually science. Solids and liquids combined and how their forms change is the fundamental basis for science…spoken as a non-scientist. You scientists out there, correct me if I am wrong. Anyway, grandparents, you may have a budding scientist on your hands. So, start your experimenting.
So, where do you get this magical slime? Of course, there are commercially made slimes, and they are readily available in stores and online. However, slime is also easy to make. School glue is a common ingredient, along with baking soda and contact lens solutions. A quick Google search for some slime recipes. Of course, you can add interesting substances and small loose parts for variety in your slime's smell, look, and texture. Believe it or not, there are even some edible recipes, such as one made with gelatin, cornstarch, and hot water.
Let's talk about real, everyday slime. Yes, the famous Ghostbusters were mega slime followers, but as spring approaches, there may be an opportunity to share with your grandkids the chance to see slime up close in nature. Yes, without a trip to NYC to see Slimer in action. Possibly even down your street.
So, while we are playing with slime, it would be a great chance to talk about real-world slime with the kids. What is this slimy creature that can be found outdoors in many communities? Snails and slugs. Yes, snails and slugs. For them, it serves as a protective barrier between them and a world of germs. Snail slime is secreted by glands all over its body, but you don't need to get into the details of how it works; instead, talk about it. Since we are on the subject, what other real creatures have slime? Well, there are the Opossums and Hagfish. Those, however, are not as easy to find. If you are looking for something closer to home, let's look at ourselves. Yes, humans have slime too. Our slime drips from our noses when we are sick. Doctors may call it mucus, but it has the same protective role as a parrotfish. More on that in another blog.
As you make your Valentine's Day plans, you can either make your way to NYC and the Sedgewick Hotel on the 12th floor in a search for Slimer, plan a romantic rendezvous with someone special, or make slime with your grandkids…you decide.
Happy Valentine's Day.
