Playing with rice is a big hit at our house.  I filled a plastic container with rice.  I store it in our special activities cabinet.

 

I set the rice on a plastic cover.  I believed it was originally supposed to go under a high chair for easy clean up.  Anywho, we found another use for it!

I give the boys some various sized cups, containers, and measuring cups and let them go at it.  The only rule is no throwing.  Realistically this activity lasts about 15-30 minutes before they get a little TOO creative and start creating a major mess.  Actually my 3yo could last for about 45 min but my younger son would be just be too messy creative with that much time on his hands.

When they are done, I simply pick up the plastic mat, fold it a tad to form a narrow opening at the bottom and re-pour the rice into the container.  If any has gotten onto the carpet, it's a breeze to run the vacuum and clean it up.

Be sure to check out Rocks in My Dryer for more Works-for-Me Wednesday tips.

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Posted by mamarussell

Oh, I like this idea! My hubby would think I had gone crazy. We'll see if it pans out. Thanks for sharing!

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Posted by Anonymous

That's a great idea...your little people looked like they loved it!



Blessings,

Tracy

http://www.LinesFromTheVine.com

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Posted by Anonymous

I'm doing it tonight! I love it! Kids also like shaving cream. Just make sure the younger one doesn't eat it!!

http://www.marigayle.blogspot.com

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Posted by Anonymous

Thanks for sharing this. I've heard of it before, but really like how you detailed a time limit. Otherwise I would've tried it once, there surely would've been a mess, and I would likely not want to do it again. So, thanks for your experience!

Nikki at nikkianddanny.blogspot.com

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Posted by cammiemelisabray

Nice! love it....I wonder if beans would work too?

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Posted by Tamara

This is so cool to hear other people use this idea, we grew up using it...32 years later, I use it too...I have also started using cornmeal...it doesn't last as long, VERY messy...but the kids LOVE IT!

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Posted by Tamara

I'm at www.cosbyfamily1.blogspot.com

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Posted by cammiemelisabray

Thanks for the e-mail and thanks for visiting my blog. I'll add you to my friends list, feel free to do the same!

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Posted by Anonymous

Visiting from the blog party. So nice to meet you!
I'm a homeschool mom, too...hope you can stop by! :)

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Posted by Jessmtem

Love the rice idea! We like to play with dry beans here too. : )

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Posted by Brandie

My kids love alos love playing with rice. We bought measuring cups and measuring spoons, plastic wear and bowls from the dollar store. We died the rice fun colors! We also have a bin of beans they love as well! It's amazing what little they need to be entertained for a while! =)
PS. I found you from 5 minutes for mom and I'm at http://skippingwithbrandie.blogspot.com

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