How to Dye Popcorn Kernels for a Sensory Bin.
Popcorn kernels make an easy and FUN filler for sensory play! Of course, you can use undyed popcorn kernels, but, in my opinion, making them colorful adds to the fun! Plus, you can use your dyed popcorn kernels for color matching activities and colorful art projects!
Once you dye popcorn kernels, you can save the sensory filler in a container to reuse over and over again! Sensory bins are one of my kids’ favorite activities and even my oldest son (who is currently 6) LOVES playing with sensory bins!
The first time I dyed popcorn kernels, I tested a few different methods and below is THE BEST way to dye popcorn kernels to get bright and VIBRANT colors!
Read below to learn exactly how to make this taste-safe sensory bin filler!
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To Make Colorful Popcorn Kernels
Materials:
Popcorn kernels
White vinegar
Food coloring drops
Mason jars with lids
Trays to dry the dyed rice
Steps:
1. In a mason jar, add 1/2 cup popcorn kernels. Add enough white vinegar to the jar to fully cover the popcorn kernels. Add at least 20-30 food coloring drops to the jar. Cover and shake to mix. (You can add more popcorn kernels, but you may need to add additional food coloring).
2. Leave the popcorn kernels in the vinegar for at least 8 hours. (I usually leave them overnight).
3. Remove the popcorn kernels from the vinegar and rinse under water. (I place the popcorn kernels in a mesh strainer). Continue to rinse the popcorn kernels under water until there is no more dye that runs out.
4. Place the popcorn kernels on a tray to dry.
– I love these trays for drying and they can also be used as a tray during sensory play!
– The popcorn kernels usually take at least a day to dry, but may take a couple of days. You can mix the kernels during the drying process to speed up the process. (See my “tips” below for a way to make this process faster).
5. Repeat the steps above to create as many colors as you want.
6. You want to wait until the popcorn kernels are fully dry before play. Place your rainbow popcorn in a sensory tray (we love how deep this one is), provide a scoop and a small bowl for transferring and let your child explore and have FUN!
7. After play, the popcorn kernels can be stored in jars or Ziptop bags to be used over and over again!
Tips for Dyeing Popcorn Kernels
Below are MY TIPS for making the process easier while also getting the BEST results (and most vibrant colors) when dyeing popcorn kernels!
1. Use white popcorn kernels! The process above will also work with yellow popcorn kernels, but the colors will look slightly different. You can find large bags of white popcorn kernels on Amazon.
2. If you rinse your popcorn kernels and they are not as bright as you want, you can redye them to make the color more vibrant! Let the popcorn kernels dry and then place them in vinegar and dye again. I have found that some colors (usually purple) are not as vibrant after being in the dye and vinegar overnight. But, if I let the kernels and dry and place them in vinegar with dye again, they come out very bright!
3. If you want to dry your popcorn kernels faster, you can use an oven at a low temp. Spread the popcorn kernels out on a baking sheet and place in an oven at 200F. Check on the popcorn kernels every 15 min to stir and see if they are dry.
4. Reuse the vinegar to dye more popcorn kernels! When straining the popcorn kernels to rinse under water, place the strainer over a container, so that you can save and reuse the dyed vinegar! You can place more popcorn kernels into the dyed vinegar to make another batch (you may need to add more vinegar to make sure the kernels are fully submerged and add a little more food coloring).
– You can also save and use the vinegar for fizzy play! Place some baking soda in a tray and give your child a dropper to squirt the colorful vinegar onto the baking soda and watch the fizzy reaction!
How to Setup a Sensory Bin with Popcorn Kernels
When first introducing sensory play to young children, I recommend keeping it simple!
Place the rainbow popcorn in a tray or bin, provide something to scoop the kernels with and something to scoop the kernels into. For scooping and pouring tools- look in your kitchen! A serving spoon, a small plastic bowl, and a measuring cup make great tools for sensory play!
For sensory play, I like to use deeper trays, because it can help contain the mess (especially as a child is scooping)! I love how deep the basin is in this Sensory Table System (shown in the photo). This table also has a lid to cover the bin when not in use. When you remove the lid, you can use it as a shelf under the table!
You can also purchase tubes and clips to use with the table and they make a great addition to sensory play!
If you want tips for HOW to introduce sensory play to your little one, check out my post on Dyeing Rainbow Rice here. I include a section on tips and benefits of sensory play!
Happy Playing!
I hope you can try making your own Colorful Popcorn Kernels for sensory play! The process is really very simple and your kids can also help with the process! Let them choose what colors to dye the popcorn, let them scoop and measure the kernels, pour the vinegar and mix the food coloring in!
For more fun, try this science activity with your colorful rainbow popcorn kernels: Dancing Popcorn!
You may also enjoy these posts:
How to Dye Rainbow Rice for a Sensory Bin
Dancing Rainbow Popcorn: Science Activity