Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations: A Fun and Creative Kids Activity for Hands-On Learning

Fun Meets Learning in the Smashing Marbles Activity

Is your toddler always asking to smash things? Or maybe you’re looking for a way to introduce a fun, hands-on craft activity that encourages creativity, STEM learning, and sensory exploration? Well, you’re in luck! With Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations, your little one can craft, paint, and smash marbles in the most satisfying way possible. Not only will this activity keep them entertained, but it will also help develop important skills in a truly fun and interactive way.

In today’s post, we’re going to dive into how you can create the perfect “Mellow Mallow,” paint it up, and have a blast smashing it afterward. It’s a project that combines art, sensory play, and STEM concepts like engineering and cause-and-effect learning, all in one go. Ready to get smashing? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Supplies Needed for Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations

Before you get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this activity. Here’s your shopping list:

• 1 bottle (5 fl oz) of Elmer’s White School Glue
• 3 tbsp of Elmer’s Magical Liquid
• 6.5 oz of soft clay
• ½ cup of shaving foam (Parental supervision required)
• Nontoxic nail polish
• Toothpicks
• Sponge
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Directions

Once you have everything set up, it’s time to start crafting your Mellow Mallow and get ready for some creative (and slightly destructive) fun!

1. Make Your Mellow Mallow Base: Mix 6.5 oz of soft clay with shaving foam and Elmer’s White School Glue until it forms a dough-like texture. Let it sit for a day to firm up.
2. Mold Your Mellow Mallow into a Fun Shape: Once it’s firm, mold the Mellow Mallow into any shape you like—ball, knot, cube—let your child’s creativity shine!
3. Add Toothpicks: Stick one or two toothpicks into your shape. These help keep it stable while you paint and handle it.
4. Paint with Nontoxic Nail Polish: Use nontoxic nail polish to paint your creation. Hold the toothpick while painting to keep the shape intact.
5. Drying Time (and a Break for You!): Let the first coat dry for 10 minutes. Apply a second coat and dry for another 10 minutes. Stick the toothpicks in a sponge while you wait to give your hands a break!
6. Smash It!: Once your Mellow Mallow is dry, it’s time to smash it! Enjoy the satisfying crunch and smoosh, and talk about the textures and cause-and-effect.

What’s the Science Behind Smashing Marbles?

You might be wondering—why does this activity feel so good? Aside from the obvious fun of creating something and then destroying it, this activity also gives your child a chance to explore some important scientific principles.

1. Cause and Effect: When they smash the Mellow Mallow, they see the result right away. They understand that their actions (the smashing) cause something to happen (the Mellow Mallow breaks apart). This is an important concept that will help as they progress in their learning, especially in STEM subjects.
2. Sensory Exploration: The soft texture of the Mellow Mallow encourages sensory exploration. As your toddler manipulates the material, they’re experiencing different sensations, which helps develop their fine motor skills. This is key to early childhood development, as it helps build muscle strength, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Smashing Marbles and At-Home Learning: A STEM-Driven Activity

Not only is Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations fun, but it’s also an excellent way to introduce your toddler to early STEM concepts. By blending art, sensory play, and cause-and-effect exploration, you’re helping your child build important foundational skills for the future.

This activity promotes creativity, encourages hands-on learning, and even taps into early engineering skills (the toothpicks provide a structure that holds the Mellow Mallow together). Plus, as your toddler continues to shape and smash, they’re improving their problem-solving abilities and learning about the physical world around them.

Why You’ll Love This Elmer’s Activity

Here are just a few reasons why Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations is a must-try activity:

• It’s Easy to Set Up: With simple supplies like glue, clay, and nail polish, this is an easy activity that doesn’t require a lot of prep.
• It’s Fun and Satisfying: From molding and painting to smashing, your toddler will love every step of this activity.
• It’s Educational: With elements of STEM learning, this activity helps your child understand concepts like cause and effect, balance, and sensory feedback.
• It Promotes Creativity: Your toddler has the freedom to shape their creation however they like, promoting their imagination and problem-solving skills.

Get Ready to Smash!

With Smashing Marbles by Elmer’s Creations, you’re not just creating a fun activity for your toddler—you’re also fostering important learning skills that will benefit them in the long run. From sensory play to early engineering concepts, this craft brings together the best of both worlds: creativity and learning. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!

So gather your supplies, set aside a little time, and get ready for a smashing good time with your little one. We can’t wait to see what kind of creations they come up with. Happy crafting and smashing!

Elmer’s White School Glue

Elmer’s Magic Liquid

Foam Shaving Cream

Soft Clay

Piggy Paint Polish
Code APOPOFYOU for 20% off

Mixing Bowls

OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups with Magnetic Snaps

OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons with Magnetic Snaps

Toothpicks