Baked Clay Ornaments

Tot School - 32mos, 5yrs

So, I really didn’t think I was even going to get a post up this week for BTT, but so glad I can!  It was my turn to teach at co-op this week.  So, for Music we watched Mr. Kreuger’s Christmas.

For Science and Art we made Baked Clay (Corn Starch Dough) Ornaments.   I had seen these on pinterest, and then was given the suggestion by 2 other friends, so we went for it.  I was really nervous about any type of ‘food item’ ornaments b/c of roaches and ants here in HI, but I don’t think they’ll find corn starch and baking soda to tasty! 
The recipe is really easy -
2 c. baking soda
1 c. cornstarch
1 1/4 c. cold water

Mix soda and cornstarch together, blending well. Add the cold water and mix well until mixture is smooth. Boil for one minute until it has consistency of mashed potatoes. Stir constantly. Spoon out on a plate. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to cool. Knead dough and roll out on waxed paper. Cut out designs with a cookie cutter or shape by hand. Let dry until hardened, about 1 to 2 days. Or you can speed up the process by baking them @ 250 until hardened.
Then we painted them.  We used a straw to make the holes (before baking), I forgot on one, but it was still a bit soft, so I stuck a paper clip through it.

I made some dough ahead of time, and then made a batch to show the kids the reaction of mixing the ingredients. (for the science portion of our lesson).  That way we didn’t have to wait for it to cool, and we watched the movie while they baked, and also did another ornament craft from Oriental Trading, then we painted them!
My kids enjoyed it so much that we even made more after everyone from co-op went home! 

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