For this experience i made a variety of shakers and 'glitter' bottles for the nursery children. I used recycled drink bottles and some food dye to make the different colours. All i had to purchase were some little toy sea animals and a container of blue soap. Another staff member had told me that she thought that using a bit of soap stopped the toys from going moldy - i also like the way that the soap gave the water a thinker constistancy and made it look like the sea creatres were swimming. I also used some old split peas that were in our pantry at home and had been there for years so they werent going to be used. I also used some natural rescources in one. I used some bark, sticks and large gumnuts. To make sure that they were safe for the babies (by babies i mean our under two's) i used a small amount of super glue on the inside of the lid to secure it tightly. I made sure that none was visible on the outside because i wasnt sure if that would be safe if they put it in their mouths.
The children really enjoy using the shakers and glitter bottles. They twist them around in their hands and watch all the different colours, roll them across the floor and shake them up to listen to the sound it makes. I think it is a great way to connect them with natural resources, having to worry about choking risks with this age group it limits what you can do but securing them in a bottle is very safe. If i was to make some more (which im sure i will one day) i will not put so much water in the bottles and will look out for some smaller drink containers. These were ideal for the older children in the room but were a bit too heavy for the younger children.
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