Flubber

Writing in the book, Really Seeing Children, Deb Curtis includes multiple journal entries from her experiences using a homemade material with children. Following is her first entry. The recipe for the material, which she calls "Flubber," follows the journal example.

"Flubber Journal Entry 1: I invited the children to begin a study of Flubber today, which we will continue over an extended period of time. I have chosen Flubber because it is a substance that moves, flows, and responds to the children’s actions. Today, as they worked with Flubber, I narrated their actions and pointed out things the children were doing...

'Oh look, when Kiran puts his finger in the Flubber he pokes a hole."
'Oona is using the comb to make dots and lines all over the Flubber.'
'T'Kai is putting the lid on the cup.'

I noticed as I described and pointed out these actions, the children seemed to copy what they saw and heard. They also stayed at the table a little bit longer than usual.

Recipe for Flubber
Mix in bowl: I cup of Elmer's glue; ¾ cup water; Food color or watercolor.
Mix in another bowl: ½ cup water; 1-2 teaspoons Borax.
Pour both bowls into one bowl and mix. Watch the magic!"

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