How to Make Homemade Jello with Your Kids

I love making Jello with kids. It is a very simple recipe with quick results, and children are able to participate in almost every step of the process. Not only can you use special molds to tailor your Jello shape to a holiday or event, but the below recipe tastes great and is a healthy after-school snack, too!

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 tablespoons of gelatin (or agar agar)
• 2 cups of water
• 1 1/4 cup of a juice of your choice (cranberry juice is a great choice because of its brilliant color)
• 1 cup sugar

Instructions

1. 

   Begin boiling a cup of water.

   KIDS' STEPS: List the ingredients that you will be using, and ask your child to bring things like the juice container out of the fridge, the bowls you will be using out of the drawer, etc.

2. Place 1 cup cold water into bowl and mix in the gelatin (or agar agar). Set aside.

   KIDS' STEPS: Place your child's hands about a wooden spoon. Wrap your hands around theirs. Gently mix the liquid together.

3. 

   Pour the sugar into your container of juice.

   KIDS' STEPS: Mix this together with your child, as before.

4. Pour the boiling water into the sugar and juice mixture. Then, pour this mixture into the cold water/gelatin (or agar agar) mixture.

   KIDS' STEPS: Ask your child to prepare the Jello mold during this step. (Bring it to the counter top, and line the counter top beneath it with paper towels or a cloth).

5. 

   Pour the Jello mixture into the Jello mold or molds that you have chosen.

   KIDS' STEPS: Your child can hold the mold as you slowly pour the mixture in. Make sure that your child is wearing mitts, as the container can become a little bit hot to the touch.

6. 

   Refrigerate your mold or molds until the Jello is firm. This should take about 30 minutes. Children can get impatient, so be sure to be patient with them. They are just excited for their treat!

   KIDS' STEPS: Play with you!

7. 

   Eat up! Jello is such a fun food to play with. Let your kids eat with their hands, if you'd like. This enhances young children's sensory development and is so very FUN.

Tips & Warnings

• Agar agar is derived from seaweed so it is a vegan alternative to and works equally well as gelatin in this recipe. Check your local health food store!

• Avoid using fresh pineapple juice or fresh papaya juice. The enzymes in these juices prevent the gelatin from binding with the juice.

Resources

• How to Make Homemade Play-Doh with Your Kids