If you care for a child with Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS), it can be stressful when faced with art and craft activities that are loaded with flour.
The first challenge that I faced with my son who has non-celiac gluten sensitivity was Playdoh at his kindergarten. From there, it blew my mind the activities that I started noticing that involved wheat flour.
Whether you're a parent, carer or teacher in a school or kindergarten, the following activities are simple to set up and easy for young kids to play with, not to mention safer options.
Feel free to share with any educators, carers, grandparents etc. that may benefit from this article.
As a reminder, Gluten, which is found in Wheat, Oats, Barley and Rye is highly risky when anyone with Celiac Disease or NCGS ingests it. It causes damage to the body that takes months to heal from and can cause further ongoing health issues.
Gluten Free Playdoh
Some children are at an age that they can safely touch Playdoh and not eat it or put their fingers in their mouth but need to clean their hands and under their nails thoroughly after playing with it.
Whereas little kids seem to want to eat Playdoh (yuck right), but it's just part of learning. So, in this instance it's much safer to have a Gluten Free version of Playdoh on offer for kids to play with.
For me personally, I had to completely rule out gluten filled Playdoh in my house with my 2nd and 3rd child as they were just way too messy with it. It was too risky for my own health and thankfully we had already cleared our house of it prior to my son's diagnosis with NCGS. My first child was an angel and would play with her Playdoh and clean up after herself, so it was never an issue.
At home, if you like to have Playdoh, you can either make your own or look for a store-bought version. I have found that Crayola make a Gluten Free version which isn't too bad if you put it back in its pots straight after playing with or else it does dry out quite quickly. Corn Clay can also be a good choice. You can also find Gluten Free Whoa Dough at Walmart if you're in the USA.
If your child is at school or kindergarten, please speak to their educators and find out if they can provide a gluten free version. My sons kindy and school have been incredibly accommodating over the years and offered to make gluten free playdoh for him to safely use.
Making playdough at home ensures it’s gluten free and safe for kids with celiac disease. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients: 1 cup gluten free flour, 1/2 cup salt, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 cup water, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, food coloring. Optional essential oils.
Instructions: Mix the dry ingredients in a pot, add water and oil, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a dough. Let it cool and knead in the food coloring.
- I have some brilliant resources in Ultimate Celiac System for approaching kindergartens and schools with letter templates etc. to get the best support for your child. Head here to learn more.
Gluten Free Slime
Kids love slime and making it gluten free is easy!
Ingredients: 1/2 cup clear or white school glue, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp contact lens solution, food coloring (optional).
Instructions: Mix glue and water, add baking soda, and stir. Add food coloring if desired, then add contact lens solution and mix until it forms slime.
Gluten Free Oobleck (the easiest slime with a difference)
Oobleck is kind of like slime but an absolute texture sensation, kids just love it. If you've never made it, you will love it too!!
Materials: Gluten free cornflour, water, optional food coloring.
Instructions: Mix gluten free cornflour with a little bit of water and some food coloring and you've got yourself Oobleck. Make as much or as little as you like.
Pour it into some trays for the kids to play with and they'll be exploring and discovering for ages. Give them some utensils to scoop and poke with and let them delve into their very own little safe slimey play.
Nature Collages
Encourage kids to explore the outdoors and collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create beautiful nature collages.
Materials: Collected natural items, gluten free glue, paper or cardboard.
Instructions: Arrange the natural items on the paper or cardboard and glue them in place to create a unique collage.
Gluten Free Pasta Necklace's
Threading pasta onto a piece of string is excellent for hand eye coordination, but again, the risk of getting glutened is all too real. If a child with celiac disease consumes the pasta, they will get glutened. Simply swap out the pasta for gluten free pasta, and you have a simple, no mess safe craft activity perfect for little ones.
Materials: Gluten free penne pasta, food coloring (multiple colors for variety), string.
Instructions: Dye the pasta with food coloring, let it dry, and then string the pasta to create fun necklaces.
Painting with Gluten Free Finger Paints
Make your own gluten free finger paints for a fun and safe painting activity.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup gluten free cornflour, 3 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups cold water, food coloring.
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a saucepan, cook over medium heat until thickened, and let it cool. Divide into containers and add food coloring.
Gluten Free Sensory Tub
This was one of my son's absolute favorite activities when he was little. It would entertain him for hours.
You can use either a small tub for playing with hands or a large tub for the child to sit in.
It's excellent for using their imagination. My son loved having his mini dinosaurs in his sensory tub.
This is another great hand eye coordination activity as little ones can practice their scooping and pouring skills.
Create sensory bins filled with gluten free materials for tactile exploration.
Materials: Large tub, gluten free rice, beans, lentils etc., small toys, scoops, and containers. Ice cube trays can also be fun additions.
Instructions: Fill a large tub with the gluten free material and add small toys and scoops for kids to explore and play.
You can also make themed sensory tubs depending on the season, eg. Christmas themed.
DIY Gluten Free Bird Feeders
Make bird feeders using gluten free ingredients to attract birds to your garden.
Materials: bird seed, peanut butter, birdseed, string.
Instructions: Mix bird seed and peanut butter, shape into balls, roll in extra birdseed, and attach a string to hang them outside.
These gluten free kids arts and craft activities are not only fun but also safe for kids with celiac disease. They provide a great way to engage children in creative play while ensuring their health and well-being. Happy crafting!
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