Let's make it
Instructions.
- 1
Rinse the tapioca pearls, then cook them at a gentle boil for 10–15 minutes, checking that there is no firm center before draining.
- 2
Rinse the cooked pearls with cool water until they are easy to handle.
- 3
Divide the pearls into bowls, add orange and black food coloring, and let the color develop for 10–20 minutes.
- 4
Rinse away excess color, then transfer the pearls to a dishpan with enough water to keep them from getting sticky.
- 5
Set the bin out with age-appropriate Halloween add-ins and scooping tools for squishing, pouring, digging, and exploring.
- 6
Keep the activity in the bin for the easiest cleanup. After the session, collect the tapioca pearls and discard them in the trash, not down the drain. Then wipe or rinse the bin and surfaces.
Safety tip
- Tapioca pearls are food-based, but they can still pose a choking hazard, especially for babies, toddlers, and children who frequently put sensory materials in their mouths. This activity should always be closely supervised and the pearls should not be intentionally eaten during play. If your child is still mouthing objects or is not developmentally ready to safely participate, choose a different sensory material.
- Always prepare tapioca pearls according to the package directions and check the temperature before play.
- Candy and other small add-ins can be choking hazards. Supervise sensory play and choose add-ins appropriate for your child’s age and abilities.
Field Notes
- We treat them as a one-day sensory material. Once they’re cooked and have been handled during play, we discard them afterward rather than saving them for another day.
