A thin layer of gelatin works well for cutting out letters, numbers and shapes using cookie cutters. Mix the gelatin according to package directions and pour into a big, shallow baking pan and allow it to set. Use the cookie cutters to cut out the letters. Spell out your preschooler’s name and let her eat it one letter at a time as she identifies the letter. Have her identify the number of raisins or cereal counters and match them to the correct gelatin numeral. Match shapes in different colors and flavors of gelatin.
Make ice tinted with different food colors prior to these activities. After melting the gelatin in hot water, pour a small amount of the thick gelatin into several baby food jars. Add a different color ice cube into each jar and watch the gelatin slowly change colors. Explain that starting with red gelatin and adding yellow makes orange or adding blue makes purple. Alternatively, swirl different flavors of semisolid gelatin to create psychedelic patterns. Have the preschooler identify the colors before mixing and after the colors have merged.
Make gelatin according to package directions and use it to create three-dimensional art. For example, add fish-shaped crackers and gummies to create an ocean or aquarium scene. Use whipped cream or cream cheese spread to make clouds on blue gelatin. Celery makes effective trees and green gelatin tinted coconut works for grass. Animal crackers provide creatures for a zoo or wildlife landscape. Small cups of sprinkles, cereal, small fruit bits and nuts provide other fun additions to your preschooler’s art. Alternatively, paint with regular watercolors and allow to dry. Paint the scene with craft glue and sprinkle with various gelatin flavors to create scratch and sniff art.
Rub a balloon across a sweater to create a static charge and then over dry gelatin powder. The balloon will statically charge the gelatin. Alternatively, create your own bubble solution by mixing equal parts of gelatin powder and dish washing detergent with eight to 10 parts warm water. Store any leftover bubble mixture in a sealed container.