The power of play in developing children’s skills

By Patricia Taculao

ONE of the many significant things

I’ve learned during my childhood is that learning isn’t limited to the four corners of a classroom or within the pages of a book. Sometimes, there’s some wisdom in playing with our friends or our toys.

My daughter, a curious toddler at two, enjoys sensory toys like clay, Pop Its, Kinetic Sand, and slime. I love seeing her little hands build, explore, and discover new things from playing with her toys. It eventually piqued my interest in what she could learn from these items–starting with slime. I grew up watching Nickelodeon, which means I know how some people use slime for pranks and other mischief.

I also bought some early versions that are primarily watery. Many slime product today are more intact and colorful and have many textures. And with that comes other numerous advatages for children

Basic chemistry for kids

Nowadays, slime kits don’t always come pre-made. Others include the ingredients required, like an activator and base, to make the sticky, slippery, stretchy stuff kids (and kids at heart) love. It then teaches kids a fun way to learn how to mix the correct amounts of components to get the ideal consistency for their slime. Through the process, kids can also understand how chemical reactions work, even with a simple explanation. Mixing the slime activator and base creates a nonNewtonian fluid that’s neither solid nor liquid. The fluid has no shape and can change its elasticity depending on how people use it. Slime can pass through a child’s fingers or bounce like a ball.