Foamy Finger Drawing

What you need

• Plate or tray, 1 tray (or a bathtub wall)
• Food coloring, 1 drop
• Shaving cream, 1 can
• Towel, 1
• Damp cloth, 1

How to do it

Grown-up prep: Lay a tray on a towel-covered table, or use a dry bathtub wall with a non-slip mat underneath. Roll up sleeves and pop on an old shirt, since food coloring can stain. Do a quick patch test on your child's hand if they have sensitive skin. Keep a damp cloth nearby, and remind everyone that foam stays away from eyes and mouths.

1. Spray a small mound of shaving cream onto the tray or tub wall. Ask for help if you need it
2. Add one drop of food coloring on top of the foam.
   Ask: What do you think will happen when we swirl the color in?
3. Gently swirl the color through the foam with one finger.
4. Smooth the foam flat with your whole hand, like making a fresh page.
5. Draw shapes with your finger: a circle, a square, a triangle.
6. Try writing letters, like the first letter of your name.
7. Wipe it smooth and play guess-the-drawing: one person draws, the other guesses.
   Ask: Can you guess what I drew before I finish?
8. Wipe up with a damp cloth, then wash hands with soap.
9. Now show a friend, or make more! What will you draw in the next cloud?
   Ask: Who will you invite to draw in the foam with you?

Play it again

• Mirror challenge: one person draws, and the other copies it in their own foam.
• Word wizard: spell a short word in the foam, then let a friend guess it.
• Rainbow cloud: try a new drop of color each time and see what swirls you make.