Back to school for gluten-free and casein-free kids brings up another important point: Art projects!
Some art supplies, such as play dough, glue, and paint, contain gluten. I wouldn’t worry so much about getting gluten on the skin, but every kid I know tends to stick their hands in their mouths at times. For this reason, play dough can be their worst enemy! Most play doughs are made from wheat flour, which means GLUTEN! Brands to watch out for are Play Doh, Crayola, Ross, and Rose Art.
Crayola Model Magic, however, is gluten-free and casein-free. Be very careful that you do not get Crayola Play Dough instead! Silly Putty is another product that is gluten-free. To avoid any problems at school, I suggest making your own play dough and providing it to your child’s teacher for use at school. Here’s the recipe:
GLUTEN-FREE/CASEIN-FREE PLAY DOUGH
1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tsp cooking oil
food coloring
Put all ingredients in a cooking pan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly until a ball is formed. Remove from heat. When cool, pat until smooth. Store in a baggie.
GLUE
Beware of teachers using paste made of wheat flour and water. Gluten-free/casein-free certified options are:
• Elmers Glue and Glue Sticks
• Ross Glue products
STICKERS AND TAPE
Many sticker and tape products contain gluten. Here are some that are certified gluten-free:
• 3M-brand tapes, including Scotch Tape and Post-It Notes
• Rose Art-brand stickers
• Sandylion-brand stickers
• Smilemakers-brand stickers
• Mrs. Grossman’s-brand stickers
PAINT
Elmers and Ross brands of paints are NOT gluten-free. Instead, look for:
• Crayola – all paints, including finger paints
• Palmer – all paints
• Prang – all paints
• Ross – except finger paints
• Elmers – except finger paints
MISCELLANEOUS
• All common brands of pencils, pens, crayons, and markers are GF/CF
• When using milk cartons for art projects, rinse thoroughly first
• Food items used for projects, such as Cheetos, pretzels, and candy, are available in gluten-free brands
• Corn or rice macaroni is available in regular grocery stores
If there is still a worry about the products being used, have children wear latex or rubber gloves. For peace of mind, volunteer to help. And remember that communication with the teacher is the MOST IMPORTANT thing!
Comments on Back To School: School Art Projects for GF/CF Kids
Who knew?? I think all schools should train teachers and staff to be aware of this. Since there are so many kids with conditions like ADHD, autism, and allergies, in addition to gluten intolerance, it would make sense to only use gluten-free/casein-free art supplies. One thing that parents of students with these special needs could do is print off this post and take it to the teacher. This is WONDERFUL information to have!!
My granddaughter just started pre-school. It’s amazing all of the things we have to do, to be sure she is safe from gluten! We will be supplying much of her arts and crafts items. They give a weekly menu, and we’ll bring her lunch when they have main courses with gluten. Today she was happy to eat their food, since they had hamburgers, and she ate hers without the bun.
I am so glad I was introduced to your web sight. I also have a granddaughter with celiacs. I have not even thought about school supplies and now wonder why when she had a reaction with shampoo. I am not at home right now and will be visiting again when I get home and will be excited for my daughter-in-law to also get on line. Thanks for all the research and fun ideas you are providing!