Gel beads, hydro balls, aqua beads or goo balls - there are now a large number of synonyms for water beads. However, the way it works is always the same: By absorbing moisture, the balls can increase in volume many times over and continuously release them to the plants. Usually. Because for children, the water beads have a completely different use. We have summarized which ideas can be implemented at home and provide great play opportunities (indoors or outdoors).
Most manufacturers deliver water pearls in a dry state - and that's a good thing, since it's exciting for children to watch the balls swell. In order for the hard granules to become soft pearls, they must be placed in water for at least four to twelve hours (the exact time can be found on the respective packaging). If the balls have already absorbed all the moisture prematurely, you can simply pour in fresh water. This is the only way the pearls can exploit their full volume and be used for playing. But be careful: there is a choking hazard, so the small balls are not suitable for children under the age of three.
A simple and exciting task for children is to sort the colorful water beads by color. Depending on how many colorings are included in the set, you will need the corresponding number of bowls to separate the balls. Since the moist pearls feel very slimy, dexterity and endurance are promoted at the same time.
Or you can make a kind of crushable ball out of the water pearls to play with and knead. For this you need an empty plastic bottle and an ordinary balloon. Put the dry balls in the bottle with enough water (in a ratio of 1:3) and put the balloon over the opening. Pour the contents into the balloon and tie a knot.
Another way to play is to place transparent water beads in a bowl and fill it with water - this way the balls are no longer visible. The task for your children is to feel the pearls and to fish them out of the water. Alternatively, this idea can also be implemented in a paddling pool in the garden.
Entire ocean landscapes can also be created with water pearls. Only use blue balls that you swell in a transparent bowl or vase. The beads are then decorated with sea creatures and stones or shells. There are no limits to the design possibilities.
Water beads are basically reusable, but should be washed under running water after two or three days at the latest - if your children have played with them. This reduces the risk of bacteria spreading on the surface. If the balls lose volume, you simply have to pour new water over them. On the other hand, if you want to dispose of the water beads, you should know that most brands are made of environmentally friendly materials and (depending on the manufacturer) are 100 percent biodegradable.
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