Make Your Own Pinata!

A longtime staple of birthday parties, the candy-filled pinata is a part of everyone's childhood. Now, your family can make its own pinata! It's a great way to practice fine motor skills, follow directions, and have fun. Plus, you can be creative about what goes inside, whether it's candy, toys, or clues to a treasure hunt! Here's how to get started:

What You Need:

• Measuring cups
• Scissors
• Mixing bowl
• 1 balloon
• 6-8 cups water finger paint
• 3-4 cups flour masking tape
• Newspaper
• Large spoon
• Pinata fillers: candy, toys, etc.

What You Do:

1. Have your child use safety scissors to cut newspaper into several long strips. Then blow up the balloon and set these materials aside for later.
2. Make the paper mache mixture. Mix 1 cup flour with 2 cups water in a mixing bowl with a large spoon. Continue this until you have mixed about 4 cups of flour and 8 cups of water and get a gluey consistency. If using a larger balloon, you may need more mixture. You can add a few tablespoons of salt to prevent molding.
3. Have your child help you dip the newspaper strips into the mixture and place around the balloon. Continue until the balloon is covered in strips. Allow to dry.
4. After the pinata is dry, help your child to paint it using finger paint. You can decorate the pinata as a (roundish) animal, such as a bumblebee, pig, or tropical fish, or simply make a creative design. Allow the paint to dry.
5. After the pinata is completely dry and the paper has hardened, use scissors to cut a small door in one side of the pinata, and puncture the balloon. Next, fill the pinata with candy or toys. Close the door and tape it tightly shut.

Now you're ready to party! The kids will love having friends or family over to break the pinata with a bat. It's a fun way to practice creative and fine motor skills, so get started!