SparKits On Demand

Gelatin Dig

Companion Page

Age Group

Infants

Infants (4-12 months)

Skill Builders

Skill Builder - Language Development

Language Development

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Math Concepts

Skill Builder - Expression of Emotions

Expression of Emotions

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Science Concepts

Skill Builder - Small Muscle Development

Small Motor Skills

What You'll Need

2 – boxes gelatin, any flavor
1 – Plastic container
Toys, small teething rings, and baby spoons
Tablecloth

Can also be made with less sugar using plain gelatin and adding food safe coloring.

Let's Begin

This is a messy activity, so you’ll want to place the tablecloth on the surface where your baby will be digging.

  1. Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions.
  2. Pour gelatin mixture into plastic container.
  3. Place toys into the gelatin mixture inside the plastic container.
  4. Refrigerate gelatin according to the package instructions.
  5. Once set, you can now prepare to dig.
  6. Place your baby either on the floor or in his highchair.
  7. Place container of gelatin in front of your baby and let him dig away.

CDC Milestones

Curious about your child’s development? All children develop at their own pace, but the Center for Disease Control’s developmental milestones can be a helpful guideline. Here are a few examples:

Infants
1-year-old
  • Shows fear in some situations
  • Puts things in a container, takes things out of a container
  • Looks at the right picture or thing when it’s named
Toddlers
18-months-old
  • Explores alone but with parent close by
  • Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures
  • Drinks from a cup
Preschoolers
2-years-old
  • Shows more and more independence
  • Knows names of familiar people and body parts
  • Might use one hand more than the other

Additional family resources

Early Childhood Alliance Logo
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Early Learning with ECA

Learning begins at birth. ECA provides foundations for learning, starting with age-appropriate experiences for infants, toddlers, and preschool. ECA also offers a range of family support programs that encourage family involvement with children’s learning.

Free tips and learning games

This free texting service provides quality, developmental information for parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age eight right to your phone. Messages include research-based, age-appropriate content from national experts, along with local updates of events and resources.

Free resources at your library

Your local library has many resources for you as a parent as well as for your child. We encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer. For an online list of libraries by city, go to publiclibraries.com/state

Find help in your community

Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-502-0700 for free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral assistance. Trained 2-1-1 Specialists can connect you to local organizations that can assist you with food, housing, health care, transportation, education and more.

Use of the materials described above are done so at your own risk and any children interacting with these materials should do so only under close adult supervision.

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