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Two children pouring water into a jar with markers inside to make watercolors.
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How to Recycle Markers into Watercolors

Here is how to bring dried-out Crayola markers back to life. Your child can do each step as you assist from the sidelines.
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Keyword: Art, dried-out markers, preschool activity, science activities for preschoolers, Watercolors

Equipment

  • Dried-out markers
  • Jars
  • water

Instructions

  • Test out each marker to see if the ink is dry.
  • Set aside the markers that no longer work.
  • Sort each dried-out marker by color.
  • Add the colored marker facedown into a reusable container.
  • Add water to each container.
  • Let the marker soak. (this doesn’t take very long, but the longer you wait, the stronger the color)
  • Use the new watercolors for mixing in a sensory water bin or paint on a canvas.

Notes

Will the water turn brown? Of course. My boys were all pretty excited and couldn’t wait to dive in. Remember, children need an opportunity to mix colors and see for themselves. They grabbed a few funnels from our outdoor sensory supplies and immediately got to work in their "coffee shop."