Homemade slime – simple activities to do with the nanny or babysitter

Sometimes when babysitting or working as a nanny, it is natural to run out of stimulating, fun and educational ways to entertain children. If this sounds familiar, or there is a need to add a new activity to the “kit” when children are with the babysitter or nanny, then why not try making homemade slime? Slime is entertaining, easy to make, uses readily available household ingredients, and for older children, is a great introduction to basic chemistry and cooking skills.

There are many recipes available for homemade slime, but not all of them are child friendly or make use of ingredients that are readily available in the home. The three recipes below are easy to make, and with a little experimentation will result in slime that suits the needs and desires of different children.

Basic slime

INGREDIENTS

250ml non-toxic white glue
2 TBS saline solution
1 1/2 TBS baking soda

Food colouring

Equipment

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

Gloves

Ziplock bags

Plastic placemat

METHOD

1. Put on the gloves.
2. Empty the glue into the bowl.
3. Add the food colouring a few drops at a time and mix with the mixing spoon until the desired colour is achieved.
4. Add the baking soda and mix until combined.
5. Add the saline solution ½ TBS at a time until you reach the desired consistency. (This will come with practice; less saline makes the slime feel “slimier” more saline makes the slime thicker.)
6. Knead the slime until it is well combined.
7. Store the slime in a zip lock bag.
8. To play with the slime, use the plastic placemat.

Glitter slime

INGREDIENTS

250ml non-toxic white glue
2 TBS saline solution
1 1/2 TBS baking soda

Food colouring

Glitter

Equipment

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

Gloves

Ziplock bags

Plastic placemat

METHOD

1. Put on the gloves.
2. Empty the glue into the bowl.
3. Add the food colouring a few drops at a time and mix with the mixing spoon until the desired colour is achieved.
4. Add the glitter. (It is important to add the glitter before the remaining ingredients to ensure it mixes evenly through the slime.)
5. Add the baking soda and mix until combined.
6. Add the saline solution ½ TBS at a time until you reach the desired consistency. (This will come with practice; less saline makes the slime feel “slimier” more saline makes the slime thicker.)
7. Knead the slime until it is well combined.
8. Store the slime in a zip lock bag.
9. To play with the slime, use the plastic placemat.

As an alternative to the glitter and to add a textural quality to the slime, try adding dry rice or dry pasta.

Fluffy slime

INGREDIENTS

250ml non-toxic white glue
2 TBS saline solution
2 cups shaving cream

Glitter

Equipment

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Measuring cups and spoons

Gloves

Zip lock bags

Plastic placemat

METHOD

1. Put on the gloves.
2. Empty the glue into the bowl.
3. Add the food colouring a few drops at a time and mix with the mixing spoon until the desired colour is achieved.
4. Add the saline solution and mix together.
5. Add the shaving cream ½ cup at a time, mixing thoroughly.
6. Knead the slime until it is well combined.
7. Store the slime in a zip lock bag.
8. To play with the slime, use the plastic placemat.

As an alternative make two to three batches of fluffy slime in different colours. Lay each batch of slime on the placemat and experiment with twisting, folding and kneading the slime to create different colour patterns. You can also add glitter to this recipe.